Single Cell & Spatial Omics Core

Introduction
News and Announcement
The SCSOC provides a streamlined, cell-to-sequencing library service package for Single Cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). It is capable to simultaneously profiling of transcriptomes ranging 500 – 10,000 cells in a single experiment. Different indexing systems are designed to label cell, transcript and sample origin in the sequencing library. This enables multiplexing of different sequencing libraries from multiple samples in the same Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) run. Libraries are Illumina-format compatible.
The service provided by SCSOC includes an initial sample QC check, following by an evaluation of overall quality of sample for fitness to continue run. Single cells are then encapsulated in thousands of Gel Bead-in Emulsion (GEM) droplets, where cells are lysed and mRNA molecules reverse transcribed into cDNA. cDNA with specific cell barcodes are then pooled together and subjected to subsequent conventional sequencing library preparation. A final QC is performed on the final sequencing library to ensure sound quality for massively-parallel sequencing.
Apart from single-cell sequencing modalities, SCSOC is also providing different spatial omics service packages to users. Equipped with state-of-the-art spatial profiling platforms, SCSOC is providing Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) and In-Situ Spatial Molecular Imaging (SMI) of RNA signals in tissue samples, both approaching down to single-cell resolution.
The SCSOC welcomes interested PIs for experimental troubleshooting, intellectual advices as well as project discussions / collaborations.
Equipment
Service Content & Workflow (Single-cell Omics)
Workflow Overview

Next GEM Overview
10X Chromium Next GEM Single Cell 3’ Gene Expression Workflow
Chromium Next GEM Chip:

- Up to 8 samples per chip processed in parallel
- 500 to 10,000 cells per channel
- 18 minutes run time per chip
- Preferred cell size < 30 µm
- ~60-65 % cell recovery efficiency
Day 1 Workflow - RT, template switching

Day 1 Workflow - Pre-amp PCR

Day 1 Workflow - cDNA quality control

Day 2 Workflow - Sequencing library preparation

Day 2 Workflow - Sequencing library quality control

Service Content & Workflow (Spatial Omics I: Nanostring CosMx)
Tissue Section requirements1

Tissue Section requirements2

Nanostring CosMx RNA and Protein Assays

Nanostring CosMx In-situ-seq Workflow

Nanostring CosMx In-situ-seq Workflow

Summary

Service Content & Workflow (Spatial Omics II: 10X Genomics Visium)
Tissue Section requirements

10X Visium with CytAssist (Standard resolution)

10X Visium HD (Single-cell resolution)

10X Genomics Visium Spatial Transcriptomics Workflow

10X Genomics Visium Spatial Transcriptomics Workflow

Summary

Service request
Please contact Dr Joaquim Vong (email: joaquim@cuhk.edu.hk / 39430318) for service request, technical enquiry and project discussion.
For service request, please fill in our Sample submission form.
Service fees include: (please enquire)
✓ Package set: From cell to sequencing library
✓ Cell quality and viability check / basic QC
✓ Sequencing library QC and quantification
✓ Intellectual advices (wet / dry lab)
✓ Troubleshooting
× Sequencing NOT included
× Repeated initial sample QC checks might incur extra charges
Output items
A. Sequencing library
B. QC reports for cDNA and sequencing library
C. Indexing information
The final product is a double-stranded cDNA molecule with sequencing adaptors and 3 different indices (10X barcode: cell info; UMI: transcript info; sample index: sample info). The sequencing library quality is evaluated by running into an Agilent 4200 TapeStation System.
Source: 10X Genomics
Precautions
Users are required to fill in and sign the “Service Form for Single Cell Omics Core” prior to sample submission
https://webapp.sbs.cuhk.edu.hk/eform/view.php?id=55400
All users MUST declare the nature of sample(s) submitted to SCOC FREE of any bio-hazardous material.
An initial assessment of cell quality will be conducted for the generation of data with optimal quality. Users may take the risk of sub-optimal data quality if the initial cell quality check fails.
Upon service booking, a copy of the confirmed service form will be forwarded to both the end user as well as the corresponding PI.
Initial sample submission evaluation (sample quality, amount, etc) is recommended to optimize sample quality, depending on the sample nature. Potential experimental discussion(s) might be arranged prior to samples submission.
The complete workflow take approximately 2 full working days. As only limited amount of samples can be performed per week, users are encouraged to optimize their sample quality before submission. Service bookings are arranged on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Once the service has started, service charge would be accounted for FULL service package price, as the reagents are on package stock basis. We are pledged to provide our service in a reasonable, efficient manner with quality.
Publications
14 March, 2025
- Congratulations to the publication of the scRNAseq work by Prof. Ko Wing-Hung titled ‘Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Heterogeneity of ALI Model and Epithelial Cell Alterations after Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosol’ on Heliyon (IF:3.4)
- Congratulations to the publication of the scRNAseq work by Prof. Alfred Cheng titled ‘Targeting PPAR-gamma counteracts tumour adaptation to immune-checkpoint blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma’ on Gut (IF: 31.795)
31 March, 2025
- Congratulations to the publication of the research work using our service by Prof. Jun Yu from CUHK Institute of Digestive Disease titled ‘Targeting m6A reader YTHDF1 augments antitumour immunity and boosts anti-PD-1 efficacy in colorectal cancer’ on Gut (IF: 31.795)
- Congratulations to the publication of the research work using our service by Prof. Jun Yu from CUHK Institute of Digestive Disease titled ‘Streptococcus anginosus promotes gastric inflammation, atrophy, and tumorigenesis in mice’ on Cell (IF: 66.85)
- Congratulations to the publication of the research work using our service by Prof. Sham Mai Har from SBS titled ‘Ptch1 is essential for cochlear marginal cell differentiation an stria vascular formation’ on Cell Reports (IF: 9.995)
- Congratulations to the publication of the scMultiome (RNA + ATAC) work by Prof. Alfred Cheng titled ‘Pharmacological activation of STAT1-GSDME pyroptotic circuitry reinforces epigenetic immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma ’ on Gut (IF: 31.795)
Staff in-charge
Dr Joaquim Vong
Scientific Officer
39430318
Ms Chloe Chen
Research Assistant
39435240