Systems Biology Module

SUMMARY – SYSTEMS BIOLOGY MODULE Recent technological advances in flow cytometry and genomics have revolutionized molecular sciences. In vision science, these developments allow us to have a deeper understanding of, development, tissue regeneration, disease, and immune responses. These techniques are highly specialized and not accessible without extensive training, costly equipment, and expertise in data management and analysis. These techniques include high-parameter (spectral) flow cytometry, single-cell RNAseq, single-cell ATACseq, and other “-omics” assays. This module provides access to advanced equipment and scientific expertise to carry out experiments from the collection of tissue or cells, cell characterization by flow cytometry, enrichment by flow sorting, and droplet-based analysis of gene expression or epigenetic regulation. In addition, the module has the equipment and expertise to prepare libraries for next-generation sequencing. Similarly, the module co- directors have expertise in analytical software required for the processing of data in an unbiased and rigorous manner. The overall goal of this module is to assist vision scientists in the development and execution of experiments and projects that would be impossible or difficult with the resources and skills within their labs. We anticipate the Systems Biology Module will drive research progress, increase impactful publications, and help develop new funding.