The Department of Medicine’s Single Cell Core Facility provides researchers with advanced tools to investigate gene expression, chromatin activity, and immune cell diversity at the individual cell level. Using 10x Genomics technology, the core enables investigators to examine the unique characteristics of individual cells within a larger population, helping reveal differences in cellular function and activity that may otherwise be overlooked.

Single-cell analysis offers a comprehensive approach to cell characterization and gene expression profiling, with the ability to analyze thousands of cells at a time. The core’s capabilities include profiling gene expression, examining chromatin structure, characterizing cell populations and cell surface markers, and investigating immune cell diversity through T and B cell receptor sequencing. These approaches can help researchers better understand the complexity of biological systems and identify cellular populations or molecular patterns relevant to their research.

The Single Cell Core supports investigators throughout the research process, from initial project planning to data analysis. Services include consultation on experimental design, single-cell RNA sequencing library preparation, coordination of sequencing with the High Throughput Genomics Core, and analysis services once sequencing data are available. This comprehensive support helps researchers determine an efficient approach for addressing their scientific questions and navigating the technical considerations of a single-cell project.

One capability that researchers may not realize is available is fixed RNA profiling of tissues, including samples fixed at collection or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissues. This approach provides a valuable option for investigators who have access to existing tissue banks and may open opportunities to study archived samples using single-cell technologies.

The Single Cell Core is open to all Pitt and UPMC investigators, as well as external investigators. Researchers interested in exploring whether single-cell analysis could support their work are encouraged to contact Heidi for a consultation and assistance in planning their project. For new or novel projects, the 10x Genomics team can also provide valuable guidance during experimental planning.

Whether investigators are beginning to explore single-cell approaches or are ready to plan a specific experiment, the Single Cell Core offers expertise and resources to help move projects forward.