What We Do
The Single Cell Biology Laboratory (SCBL) is a multidisciplinary, research-driven, and collaborative core service specializing in technologies to study cell and tissue biology at single-cell resolution. The SCBL strives to develop, validate, and make available state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial multi-omics technologies. Our staff are highly experienced in tissue dissociation and single cell isolation; cell capture, enrichment; molecular characterization; and the computational analysis of single-cell data sets. In addition to these dissociated-single-cell technologies, we employ a number of complementary spatial and in situ assays to interrogate cellular biology in the context of native tissue. Moreover, to investigate the effects of perturbation on biological systems, we have established expertise in cellular model development—2D- or 3D-cultured cell lines, organoids, and microtissues—and have developed a high-content cellular screening platform for high-throughput imaging and biochemical characterization of models of interest.
In order to best utilize our services, we strongly encourage investigators to engage with us at the earliest stage of project planning, especially for projects being proposed in grant applications. We will provide advice on experimental design, assay selection, and downstream data processing. A typical project will involve an introductory meeting to discuss experimental planning, protocols, and budgeting. Upon receipt of samples, we will conduct the assay and provide investigators with analysis-ready data. For sequencing-based assays, we will perform the sequencing, read alignment, and data post-processing. For imaging-based assays, we will provide raw data to investigators for analysis.
The SCBL is driven by research and collaboration with investigators, working to advance tissue mapping initiatives like the NIH-funded SenNet and HuBMAP programs, where we actively contribute to the research. We also engage with the global spatial technology community, including GESTALT. Additionally, through our involvement in clinical biobanking initiatives such as EndoRISE, we are continually advancing our expertise in optimal sample processing and pioneering new assays and technologies, informed by cutting-edge global research and developments in the field.
Our services are available to JAX and UConn investigators through the JAX-UConn Shared Single Cell Genomics Center link: https://core.uconn.edu/resource/jax/
Services & Technologies Offered
Dissociated-Single-Cell Technologies
- 10x Genomics Chromium platform
- 3’ / 5’ Gene expression (low-, standard-, high-throughput)
- 3’ Fixed RNA
- CITE-Seq, sample multiplexing, 5’ VDJ, 3’ / 5’ CRISPR
- snATAC-seq
- Multiome (snRNA-seq + snATAC-seq)
Other Assays
- Single-cell whole-transcriptome analysis
- Patch-seq
- Single-cell whole-genome sequencing
- Tissue dissociation, isolation of single cells or nuclei, cell washing
Spatial Technologies
- CODEX, Akoya Biosystems
- Cell DIVE, Leica
- Visium, 10x Genomics
- Xenium, 10x Genomics
- Curio Seeker, Curio Biosciences
High Content Screening
- Protocol development and optimization
- Automated drug/dye dispensing, media exchanges, incubation
- Automated high-throughput confocal imaging, Perkin Elmer Opera Phenix
- Biochemical and cell viability measurements
- Live-cell time-course imaging, Sartorius Incucyte
Consultation
- Discussion of the use of single-cell multi-omics tools to address research questions
- Planning new projects
- Guidance on protocol development, sample processing and computational analysis
