UBC-GC2 Genes. Cells. Clusters. is a new Brain Canada funded research platform designed to transform how we study the nervous system. By combining state-of-the-art tools and uniting the collaborative expertise of DMCBH’s NINC and SBME-seq, UBC-GC2 will enable functional and structural assessment of brain tissue at a world-leading level. Through UBC-GC2, researchers will be able to perform live activity recordings (of living human brain tissue and/or animal models with concurrent behaviour), single-cell spatial transcriptomics, tissue clearing, expansion, staining, and light sheet imaging with the ultimate goal of integrating these multimodal data to understand the contributions of genes, cells and circuits to brain health and disease.
In collaboration with NINC and SBME-seq, both current and new users will be able to work closely with our expert team to tailor experimental approaches to their specific research questions and determine optimal use cases for the platform’s capabilities.In addition to hands-on technical support, users will benefit from comprehensive guidance through all stages of their research—from experiment design and implementation to data collection and analysis. We aim to produce curated, well-documented datasets and promote consistent data deposition practices, so the UBC-GC2 platform can accelerate discovery while fostering transparency and reproducibility in neuroscience.
UBC-GC2 will support a range of users (local, remote and visiting) in an effort to foster and create collaborations between DMCBH members and partners around the world.
We are immensely grateful for the generous support provided by the Brain Canada Foundation, Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia, DMCBH, SBME-seq, and an anonymous donor to make this vision a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as UBC-GC2 begins welcoming users and advancing research across disciplines!!!