Researchers have made a groundbreaking step in understanding the human body by creating an early map of some of its 37.2 trillion cells. This high-resolution, open-access atlas is a major achievement in cell biology and aims to shed light on how cells function, interact, and contribute to overall health.
The human body consists of a wide variety of cells, each with its own unique role. By mapping these cells, scientists hope to better understand how they contribute to health and disease, including conditions like cancer. The current focus is on the mouth, stomach, intestines, and cells involved in bone and joint development. Researchers have also been investigating how cells group into tissues, where they’re located in the body, and how they change over time.
“This is just the beginning of a comprehensive cell atlas,” said Aviv Regev, co-chair of the Human Cell Atlas consortium, which spearheaded the research. “When things go wrong, they go wrong with our cells first and foremost.” The findings, published in Nature and related journals on Wednesday, represent a first draft in a long-term project to map every human cell.
The ultimate goal is to create a complete cell atlas by 2026, covering 18 organs and body systems, including the skin, heart, and breasts. This project will provide invaluable insights for researchers, especially in the fight against diseases that corrupt or damage human cells.
Dr. Timothy Chan, a cancer expert at the Cleveland Clinic, highlighted the significance of this mapping project for cancer research. “Different types of cells have different Achilles’ heels,” he said. “This is going to be a boon for cancer research.”
In addition to the human cell atlas, scientists are also creating specialized atlases to explore the underpinnings of various health conditions. These include brain atlases that aim to understand the structure and function of different brain cells, and a gut microbiome atlas, which explores the microorganisms in the intestines that play a key role in digestion and immune system health.
As this project progresses, it is expected to offer new ways to identify and treat diseases by better understanding the complex relationships and functions of our body’s cells.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
