Atlas of cells offers a milestone leap in understanding of the human body

Mapping the Human Cell #

The human body is composed of over 37 trillion cells, and mapping this intricate world is a monumental challenge for biology. An ambitious project, initiated in 2016, has made significant progress by analyzing over 100 million cells from more than 10,000 individuals. Scientists worldwide are contributing to this endeavor to create a comprehensive atlas of human cells.

Efforts in this project have been likened to the Human Genome Project, offering a leap in understanding the human body. Prior to this initiative, knowledge of cell biology was described as akin to a “15th-century map.” Today, advancements have produced a resolution comparable to modern tools like Google Maps. Different types of cells, though indistinguishable under a microscope, can vary significantly at the molecular level, which is subject to change due to aging and environmental factors.

With advances in single-cell sequencing, scientists can analyze genetic expressions by studying RNA. This technology, together with AI, helps create an ID card for each cell type. Previously, there were thought to be only 200 cell types; now, it is known there are thousands.

Researchers aim to map 18 biological networks, including the complex brain network, with a complete draft of the Human Cell Atlas expected by 2026. These maps are intended to connect genes, diseases, and therapies, potentially unlocking new treatments.

Recent breakthroughs include mapping all gut cells, understanding how the human skeleton forms in utero, and exploring the structures of the thymus and placenta. For instance, the gastrointestinal tract atlas was created using data from 1.6 million cells, revealing a type potentially linked to inflammatory bowel disease.

Historical efforts trace back to 1665 when cells were first discovered under a microscope. Unlike previous genome drafts, this atlas is globally representative, enhancing understanding of diseases like cystic fibrosis.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, this data revealed the nose, eyes, and mouth as vulnerable infection points, demonstrating the atlas’s critical role in enhancing molecular understanding of the human body. Insights from this work are expected to significantly reshape medical knowledge and treatment strategies.