# Single Cell Spatial Analysis in Tissue

> **NIH NIH R50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2021 · $258,385

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Flow Cytometry, Mass Cytometry, Cell Sorting, and Imaging are essential tools for a wide range of methodologies
aimed at understanding complex single cell proteomic and genomic cancer research. The instrumentation
involved is large, complex, and can be difficult to maintain and operate. As such, a targeted core facility is critical
for a Comprehensive Cancer Center such as MD Anderson. The FCCIF, est. 1982, provides these services.
Since the last CCSG renewal (2012) 404 cancer center members from all 16 cancer center programs have used
the facility and produced 604 publications. Many of the hot topics in cancer biology currently stem from immune
cell interaction with the tumor cell; immunephenotyping is an in demand field of research that requiring a unique
high plex assay. This requires a specialized imaging or cytometry approach and the FCCIF has specifically
acquired two different platforms because of their diversity and flexibility. These platforms are the Vectra
Multispectral imaging system and the CyTOF (suspension and imaging) Mass Cytometers. The FCCIF provides
a common source of state-of-the-art expertise and technical skills to support the varied research efforts of MD
Anderson investigators. The FCCIF provides a comprehensive service to all of the institutional investigators
regardless of prior expertise. Dr. Jared K. Burks (author of this R50, co-Director of the FCCIF-NC) provides
critical services including: 1) education, 2) consultation on needed technological approach, 3) training on
equipment use, analytics, and proper experimental design. I identify and acquire novel technologies for use by
MDACC investigators and I provide support in a manner to ensure success and mitigate pitfalls. I am expected
to develop new strategies and technologies to meet the research needs of our faculty. A few examples of what
I have currently been working on is the Vectra Polaris Multispectral Microscope, Helios and Hyperion Suspension
and Imaging CyTOFs. The Polaris has operated on average 13.5 hours per day for the last year. The CyTOFs
are reporting 5090% growth since the last CCSG renewal. These results stem from mitigating the pitfalls, making
the technologies approachable and affordable, and supporting the researchers throughout the process all the
way to publication. Collaborations, both academic and industry, have resulted to develop or test novel
applications. The models we have created to support these technologies have and will continue to be shared
with others operating the technologies. We are highly involved with both developing and standardizing new
technologies for use at MD Anderson and with our facilities and researchers implementing them worldwide.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10260458
- **Project number:** 5R50CA243707-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Jared Kyle Burks
- **Activity code:** R50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $258,385
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-09 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10260458

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10260458, Single Cell Spatial Analysis in Tissue (5R50CA243707-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10260458. Licensed CC0.

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