Core Facilities

The consortium brings together disciplines across the University of Minnesota to ensure researchers have access to the many resources needed for a spatial analysis workflow, such as histology, imaging, genomics, and bioinformatics. Cores resources available to researchers: 

University of Minnesota Genomics Center

The strategic evaluation and acquisition of new instrumentation is paramount in maintaining a competitive research advantage for the University. The University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC) focuses on assessing and acquiring emerging genomic technologies, advising researchers on suitable technologies, and providing genomic research services on a fee-for-service basis. By combining the latest single-cell and spatialomic technologies with a new generation of high-throughput, low-cost sequencers, the UMGC enables researchers to generate large-scale spatial genomic studies. 

Spatial services: 10X Genomics Visium and Curio Seeker workflows, training, sequencing, data analysis pipelines 
Director: Kenny Beckman, [email protected] 
Location: 1-210 Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building 
Contact: [email protected] 

University Imaging Centers

The University Imaging Centers (UIC) Nikon Center of Excellence is a network of shared research facilities located on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campuses. The UIC provides researchers with equipment and support for light and electron microscopy, spatialomics, tissue clearing, in-vivo imaging from subcellular to whole animals, image analysis & visualization, slide scanning, and large format poster printing. UIC services range from training users to independently operate equipment, to full-service imaging and sample processing. UIC resources are available to University of Minnesota and external researchers on a fee-for-service basis.

Spatial services: Bruker GeoMx and CosMx platforms, training, data analysis pipelines 
Director: Mark Sanders, [email protected]  
Location: 1-220 Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building 
Contact: [email protected]

Minnesota Supercomputing Institute

The Minnesota Supercomputing Institute provides research informatics and computational infrastructure for researchers across the university, including extensive free compute and software resources for spatial data analysis. MSI’s Research Informatics group offers a full range of informatics support for spatialomics research projects, from experimental design and grant support to image analysis, machine learning, and spatially-aware bioinformatics analysis.

Spatial services: Data analysis services, including image analysis (e.g., cell segmentation, co-registration) and bioinformatics analysis (e.g., cell type deconvolution (GeoMx), cell type identification and clustering, and custom spatially aware informatics analyses), as well as compute and software resources for independent analysis 
Co-Directors of Research Informatics: Christine Henzler, [email protected] and Thomas Pengo, [email protected]  
Location: 599 Walter Library 
Contact: [email protected]

Clinical and Translational Science Institute Histology and Digital Imaging Laboratory

CTSI's Histology Research & Digital Imaging Laboratory employs ASCP-certified histotechnicians and is equipped with standard histology equipment. The laboratory provides a wide range of services, including FFPE processing, OCT embedding, custom sectioning, histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), tissue microarray (TMA) construction, spatialomics sample preparation, as well as equipment training and rental. Additionally, the Digital Imaging division offers whole-slide digital image acquisition and access to software for image analysis. Its goal is to deliver publication-quality full-slide imaging and quantitative analysis. Notably, pathologist support for histopathological assessment is also available.

Spatial services: Sample preparation, custom sectioning, and slide mounting 
Director: Scott Horsfall
Location: 2-155 Jackson Hall 
Contact: [email protected]