Single Cell Laboratory

With single-cell sequencing becoming a critical technology in both developmental biology and cancer research, the Department of Developmental Neurobiology established the Single Cell Laboratory in 2023. The laboratory’s mission is to offer end-to-end support for researchers conducting single-cell sequencing experiments. This support begins with the preparation of high-quality single-cell suspensions, with the core continually refining methods for cell dissociation, isolation and cleanup to ensure optimal sample quality. In addition, the laboratory provides expert consultation, hands-on training and facilitates single-cell library preparation. The core also actively explores and evaluates emerging technologies that may benefit the department. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Bioinformatics Core, the lab offers guidance on quality control and data analysis for single-cell sequencing, ensuring robust and accurate results.

The Single Cell Laboratory has quickly established itself as a key partner to over a dozen research laboratories at St. Jude, expanding their single-cell capabilities and driving high-impact scientific discoveries. Initially, the lab provided support to researchers new to single-cell techniques, assisted with the development of protocols for tissue dissociation — human brain organoids, mouse brains and tumors — and offered training in single-cell library preparation and analysis.

The lab's services expanded rapidly by introducing and comparing various platforms, including a head-to-head study of droplet-based versus plate-based technologies and a platform comparison for single-cell CRISPR screens. These efforts enabled the lab to offer a range of technologies, empowering researchers to select the most suitable approach for each specific assay.

Beyond technical and project support, the Single Cell Lab plays an active role in experimental design consultation and grant application assistance. It has contributed to several proposals, including letters of support for multiple grant applications.

The Single Cell Core is located in 220 square feet of laboratory space in the state-of-the-art I4ARC advanced research center. 

It is equipped with the following:

Jackie Norrie, PhD, obtained her doctorate in Developmental Biology from The University of Texas at Austin. She then came to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she completed her postdoctoral work in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology. During her postdoc, Norrie pioneered the use of droplet-based, single-cell sequencing within the department. Her expertise in single-cell sequencing not only advanced her own research but those of numerous other investigators through both independent and collaborative efforts in single-cell projects. Upon finishing her postdoctoral work, she established the single-cell lab at St. Jude to continue her dedication to advancing the scientific research within the Department of Developmental Neurobiology.