The overall goal of the Single Cell Analysis Program is to accelerate the discovery, development and translation of cross-cutting, innovative approaches to analyzing the heterogeneity of biologically relevant populations of cells in situ. Specifically, the program aims to:
- Address key roadblocks in analyzing single cells by supporting cross-cutting, transformative research
- Catalyze the emerging field of single cell research by building a synergistic program of unique initiatives
- Coordinate NIH efforts in advancing the next-generation of technologies for single cell analysis which will improve our ability to characterize cells and understand the biological significance of heterogeneity
In support of these overarching goals, the program is composed of multiple initiatives.
STUDIES TO EVALUATE CELLULAR HETEROGENEITY USING TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROFILING OF SINGLE CELLS
The first initiative focuses on evaluating cellular heterogeneity, and aims to develop a collaborative program of study to evaluate transcriptional profiles of single human cells derived from a mixed population in a variety of tissue types; classify cell types and cell states based on transcriptional signatures; develop novel analytical tools to evaluate cell heterogeneity using transcriptional endpoints; define technical obstacles and develop novel approaches to alleviate hurdles.
Additional information is available at RFA-RM-11-013 and funded U01 grants. There may be future funding opportunities.
EXCEPTIONALLY INNOVATIVE TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS
The second initiative supports exploratory projects that will establish feasibility for high-impact concepts which have the potential to transform single cell analysis, and will validate and disseminate exceptionally innovative tools for single cell analysis.
Additional information is available at RFA-RM-11-014 and funded R21 grants. There may be future funding opportunities.
ACCELERATING THE INTEGRATION AND TRANSLATION OF TECHNOLOGIES TO CHARACTERIZE BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AT THE SINGLE CELL LEVEL
The third initiative emphasizes supporting the validation and translation of innovative tools and novel capabilities for single cell analysis, and developing a broad range of technological solutions that will offer substantial benefits to end users.
Additional information is available at RFA-RM-11-015 and funded R01 grants. There may be future funding opportunities.
SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS
The program will host annual workshops and meetings with the goals of disseminating current research findings in single cell analysis; discussing and overcoming roadblocks in order to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of cell level heterogeneity; identifying new emerging challenges in single cell analysis and potential technological solutions; and building synergy between the projects supported by this initiative and other projects funded by NIH. These meetings will serve as opportunities to foster communication and network among multidisciplinary investigators. Information on upcoming meetings will be made available.
Additional information on past meetings is available at MEETINGS.
SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS CHALLENGES
The program will strive to highlight and address key roadblocks and opportunities in single cell analysis through designing and issuing challenges, and to attract new approaches and researchers to the field.
There may be future funding opportunities and competitions.
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