Interdisciplinary program single cell sequencing (sc-seq@dkfz)

Biologically important differences between individual cells are averaged out in sequencing approaches from bulk tumor cell populations. This is a fundamental problem in oncology since the clinically highly relevant information on tumor heterogeneity is lost with respect to the initial tumor composition, the cellular response to drug treatment and the relapse of the tumor. To address these current limitations single cell sequencing (sc-seq) based 'omics' methods (genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics) are emerging. They synergize with imaging and cell sorting technologies as an important new opportunity to dissect cancer cell populations in personalized medicine approaches. The sc-seq@dkfz networks supports the development and application of experimental and theoretical single cell sequencing methods for cancer research at the DKFZ. It addresses the following unmet needs:

• Make the relevant experimental sc-seq workflows and readouts for cancer research available within the DKFZ through a joint Technology Hub associated with core facilities.
• Provide resources and support for the bioinformatical data analysis via a combination of bioinformatic (sub)groups and generally accessible analysis workflows.
• Offer regular intramural and external training (wet lab as well as data analysis) to advance the sc-seq expertise of DKFZ members.
• Present the sc-seq activities of the DKFZ to the public to increase its national and international visibility in this research field and to support acquisition of funding through meetings and workshops. 

Register at https://listhost.inet.dkfz-heidelberg.de/mailman/listinfo/sc-seq to receive information on sc-seq@dkfz activities.

• Josephine Bageritz & Michael Boutros, Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics (B110)
• Philipp Mallm & Karsten Rippe, Division of Chromatin Networks (B066)

• Foster interactions and collaborations between DKFZ groups working on single cell sequenicng via regular meetings and workshops
• Support of the single cell open lab (scOpen Lab) for application and development of experimental sc-seq methods 
• Cooperation between DKFZ research programs on pilot projects to establish and develop sc-seq methods
• Support of education and training of students and scientists at the DKFZ in sc-seq technologies
• Help researchers in Heidelberg to obtain national and international funding for research projects that involve sc-seq
• Participation in the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) and associated pilot projects
• Increase the visibility of DKFZ sc-seq activity on the national and international level

• Groups participating in sc-seq@dkfz
• scOpen Lab
• Human Cell Atlas
• Chan Zuckerberg Initiative HCA pilot projects
• Single cell genomics network (SCGN)