# Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · $91,962

## Abstract

Project Summary: Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics (SCST) Core
Single cell transcriptomics permits researchers to analyze tissue heterogeneity and complexity in disease states.
These technologies add enormous value to research strategies aimed at discovering new disease-specific cell
surface markers, drug targets, molecular subtypes of tumors, etc. However, common single cell-omics platforms
are limited by high cost and access to robust computational analysis. The goals of the Single-Cell and Spatial
Transcriptomics (SCST) Core are to lower barriers of entry to single cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies
for CMTDD investigators and the broader UNMC community at a reasonable cost, offer consultations and
technical assistance for training new users, enable users to analyze complex datasets, and remain adaptable to
increase capacity and tools as needed from the UNMC community. The working hypothesis is that increased
access to these emergent and powerful technologies will pay dividends on the back end in the form of more
impactful publications and a higher rate of grant funding. To achieve these goals, we will provide users with
sufficient low-cost equipment, consultations, and computational tools to analyze single cell and spatial
transcriptomics data. Pioneering work in the Shalek group identified a lower cost solution to droplet based
scRNA-seq called Seq-Well to generate high quality libraries. We have successfully implemented Seq-Well at
UNMC and generated hiqh quality data with unique biological insights. Our core also will provide subsidized
access to spatial transcriptomics (MERSCOPE). Thus, the SCST core will provide low-cost access to Seq-Well
and MERSCOPE, allowing for a range of options for high resolution molecular profiling of tissue and cellular
heterogeneity in complex systems. Implementation of these tools at UNMC will enable investigators to develop
innovative new research areas. The SCST will ensure that cutting edge computational tools are available to
users who want to conduct their own rigorous data analysis and anticipate and develop new low-cost “omics”
technologies. By lowering the financial bar of access to these technologies, research program competitiveness
will increase, enhancing publication impact factors, grant funding, patents, and faculty recruitment to UNMC.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10891528
- **Project number:** 5P20GM121316-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Kyle J Hewitt
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $91,962
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-03-16 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10891528

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10891528, Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics Core (5P20GM121316-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10891528. Licensed CC0.

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