Single Cell Characterization and Procurement Core

SCCPC Abstract As a direct result of our ability to analyze hematopoietic cells at the single cell level, our understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of the hematopoietic system has dramatically evolved in the past 10 years. The use of high-end flow cytometry and transcriptomics allowed investigators to measure cell-to- cell differences and correlate genomic information with single-cell function. Our understanding of non- malignant hematology is rapidly evolving, and now requires integration of transcriptome, epigenome, proteome (and now “organellome”) both at the single-cell level and in bone marrow in situ. However, rigorous experimental dissection of hematopoietic stem and progenitors (HSCP) requires specialized expertise and fascile technical agility that serves as a barrier to many researchers in the field. To answer this critical need, the Single Cell Characterization and Procurement Core (SCCPC) is designed to provide both expertise on data analytics platforms as well as technical advise (and access to) specialized services to facilitate cutting-edge multi-dimensional single-cell analyses for functional and mechanistic understanding of non-malignant hematology. Although such technologies are widely available, access to these services at most institutions is not accompanied by requisite understanding of hematopoiesis and stem cell biology (and/or analysis pipelines). Thus, there is a need for easy access to training and expertise on using analytic platforms, and how to integrate datasets. The SCCPC provides unique services for investigating hematopoiesis at the single-cell level including: (1) standardized and centralized services in flow cytometry analysis and isolation to reduce costs for investigators; (2) specialized services in multispectral flow cytometry and multi-dimensional analyses; (3) specialized analysis pipelines for integrating orthogonal “omics” layers; (4) specialized services in high resolution confocal immunofluorescence imaging for fixed, live and in situ single cell imaging; (5) specialized services in study design, large dataset analyses and interpretation; and (6) development of new cutting-edge technologies for investigators to use in their research. The Central Goal of the SCCPC is to create a centralized center providing advise/expertise on data analyses and integration to facilitate a comprehensive cutting-edge multi-dimensional single-cell understanding – functionally and mechanistically – of non-malignant hematology. The SCCPC has dedicated professionally trained staff with great experience in scientific experimental design and client support. The aims of the core are to provide innovative, state-of-the-art facilities and sophisticated technical assistance for high quality analysis of single hematopoietic cells; to provide uniform quality of cell preparations; to reduce costs of individual investigators by using shared flow cytometry, genomics analyses and imaging facilities; and to train/educate in new concepts on cell analysis, isolation, bioinformatics analyses and imaging.