Single Cell Analysis Program (SCAP)
Single Cell Analysis Program (SCAP)
Program Goals and Initiatives
The Single Cell Analysis Program (SCAP) has transitioned from Common Fund support in 2017. For more information, please visit https://commonfund.nih.gov/singlecell/. Please note that since SCAP is no longer supported by the Common Fund, the program website is being maintained as an archive and will not be updated on a regular basis.
The overall goal of the Single Cell Analysis Program was 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 was:
- Addressing key roadblocks in analyzing single cells by supporting cross-cutting, transformative research
- Catalyzing the emerging field of single cell research through a synergistic program of unique initiatives
- Coordinating 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 was composed of multiple initiatives.
STUDIES TO EVALUATE CELLULAR HETEROGENEITY USING TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROFILING OF SINGLE CELLS
The first initiative focused on evaluating cellular heterogeneity, and aimed 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 for RFA-RM-11-013 is available under funded research.
EXCEPTIONALLY INNOVATIVE TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS
The second initiative supported exploratory projects that establish feasibility for high-impact concepts which have the potential to transform single cell analysis, and validate and disseminate exceptionally innovative tools for single cell analysis.
Additional information for RFA-RM-13-020, RFA-RM-021, and RFA-RM-11-014 is available under funded research..
ACCELERATING THE INTEGRATION AND TRANSLATION OF TECHNOLOGIES TO CHARACTERIZE BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AT THE SINGLE CELL LEVEL
The third initiative emphasized 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 for RFA-RM-11-015, RFA-RM-13-022, and RFA-RM-13-023 is available under funded research..
SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS
The program hosted 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 served as opportunities to foster communication and network among multidisciplinary investigators.
Additional information on past meetings is available at MEETINGS.
SINGLE CELL ANALYSIS CHALLENGE
Through the Follow that Cell challenge, the program strived to highlight and address key roadblocks and opportunities in single cell analysis, as well as attract new approaches and researchers to the field.
