Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics

Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies allow for high resolution molecular profiling of tissue and cellular heterogeneity in complex systems.

Implementation of these tools at UNMC at reasonable cost to investigators will enable the development of innovative new research areas. All too often the latest and impactful technologies are only available to investigators at a prohibitive cost.

During the latter stages of Phase 1, our center sought and began to develop cutting-edge technologies that would generate complex data sets addressing important biologic problems.

The goal is to increase investigator access, regardless of funding status, by providing a low-cost solution or subsidizing access to these powerful technologies. The working hypothesis of the center is that lowering the bar to access powerful technologies will pay dividends on the back end in the form of more impactful publications and a higher rate of grant funding.

The key resources of the Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics Core, Seq-Well and MERSCOPE, are a direct result of these investments and to this end are well-positioned to support the center's mission.

Researchers throughout the university system will routinely access these facilities to improve the competitiveness of their research programs, by enhancing publications, grant funding, patents, and faculty recruitment. 

The core will pursue these aims:

• Aim 1: Provide the center's and UNMC investigators low-cost and subsidized access to single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analysis.
• Aim 2: Provide computational training and support for single-cell and spatial transcriptomic data analysis.
• Aim 3: Continue to develop new procedures, instrumentation and long-term sustainability of the core.

Achieving low-cost user-friendly access to single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies for the center's investigators and the broader UNMC community requires continued development of Seq-Well, subsidized reagents the MERSCOPE, and technical assistance for training in use of these technologies and analysis of the data they generate. The core will ensure that cutting-edge computational tools are available to users who want to conduct their own rigorous data analysis and anticipate and develop new low-cost “omics” technologies.