# Single cell tagging of localized RNA from whole populations

> **NIH NIH R01** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $338,625

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The objective of this proposal is to develop a broadly applicable technology, called SCALoP (Single Cell
Analysis of Localized RNA on whole Populations), to measure gene expression in single cells, without the
need to perform technically challenging manipulations on individual cells. Currently, large-scale genetic
screens based on new technologies are leading to important advances in our understanding of mammalian
genomes and genetic variation linked to human disease. However, the power of these screens is limited by the
lack of methods to measure gene expression in these large screens. Our proposed technology would fill this
major unmet need, and thus have a broad impact on mammalian genetics. Our goal is to develop a method to
attach single-cell-specific sequence barcodes to transcripts, using RNA proximity ligation in pooled samples.
We propose to do this by designing barcoded “tagRNAs” which are expressed in cells and targeted to specific
RNA binding proteins. These tagRNAs are attached to transcripts derived from the same single cell by
proximity ligation. To develop this method, our aims are 1) optimize and quantify the efficiency of methods to
link tagRNAs and cellular RNA, 2) optimize in vivo specificity and single cell resolution of SCALoP, and 3)
develop RNA aptamers to natural proteins and alternate location targets.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10096934
- **Project number:** 1R01GM140013-01
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** GARY D STORMO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $338,625
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-20 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10096934

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10096934, Single cell tagging of localized RNA from whole populations (1R01GM140013-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10096934. Licensed CC0.

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