An integrated instrument system for Patch-sequencing - Title: Integrated Patch-seq Instrument
PROJECT SUMMARY
This proposal requests funds for the purchase of an integrated Patch-seq instrument. The
instrument will be used to perform multimodal analysis of the morphology,
electrophysiology, and transcriptome of single cells. The instrument consists of a
microscope (equipped with two-photon, epifluorescence, and differential interference
optics), micromanipulators and electronics for the recording of the electrophysiological
properties of single cells. Integration of these components is routine and does not affect the
warranty of any component. The instrument is controlled via a single computer that will
use a combination of propriety and open-source software for real-time recording and
analysis of the cell’s electrophysiological and morphological properties. Currently, there is
no instrument at Stony Brook University, or any nearby institution optimized to perform
Patch-seq analysis. This instrument will enable researchers to perform Patch-seq analysis
on a broad variety of tissues and cells. It is of particular use to neurobiologists and
developmental biologists studying the nervous system but has application to a broad range
of physiological and pre-clinical research programs. This instrument will allow the
researchers to integrate familiar single cell analysis techniques (morphology and
electrophysiology) with datasets created using high throughput single cell sequencing
technology. The Patch-seq instrument has also the capability to support very innovative
projects incorporating aspects of the network function of single neurons cell with high
throughput single cell sequencing. The Institution is extremely supportive, providing
$126K in resources to establish and support this instrument at Stony Brook University.
Management and operation of the instrument will be provided by a faculty specialist, who
will also assist users by either training them with the use of the instrument or by
performing experiments in collaboration with participating laboratories. The instrument
will be supported by the university’s Single Cell Genomics facility which will also perform
cDNA library preparation and oversee sequencing. Bioinformatics specialists associated
with the facility will assist with data analysis, where necessary.