Table of Contents
- 1 Human Cell Atlas International Research Results
Genes Associated with Hip Arthritis
Mutation that inhibits skull growth revealed
Pay attention to intestinal cells that cause colon cancer - 2 * How can the open-access nature of the Human Cell Atlas data promote collaboration and accelerate scientific discovery in the field of cell biology?
Human Cell Atlas International Research Results
Genes Associated with Hip Arthritis
Mutation that inhibits skull growth revealed
Pay attention to intestinal cells that cause colon cancer
Human cell map showing gene expression in cells involved in the skeleton. Provided by Nature An international joint research project by scientists to identify the unique functions of 37.2 trillion human cells is yielding results one after another. If we thoroughly understand the role of human cells, we can identify the principles of disease development at the cellular level and lay the foundation for ‘personalized medicine’ suitable for individual patients. It is possible to develop biomimetic materials that were difficult to implement with existing medical technology, or to access clues to unlocking the secrets of lifespan and aging that humans have not been able to conquer.
On the 21st, the international academic journal ‘Nature’ unveiled new research results from the ‘Human Cell Atlas (HCA)’, a research consortium that is creating a complete map of human cells, and selected 10 of them as key achievements. More than 3,500 researchers from more than 100 countries participate in the HCA Consortium, which was launched in 2016. The goal is to classify all cells in the human body by type and organize the genes expressed by each cell. To date, functional analysis of more than 100 million cells has been completed.
The research that has received the most attention is the study that identified all cells involved in the early development of the skeleton and the pathways of these cells. The human cell map image released by a research team at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK, a member of the HCA consortium, accurately shows all the cells necessary for bone growth throughout the human skeleton, except for the top of the skull. The spatial transcriptome technology, which analyzes the expression level of ribonucleic acid (RNA) that carries genetic information, revealed detailed cell location and gene expression information.
The human cell map newly revealed that certain genes involved in the development of hip arthritis in adults are activated in young bone cells. It was also discovered that the genes of young cartilage cells play a role in cartilage repair and are associated with an increased risk of developing knee arthritis. They also identified a new type of young bone cell involved in skull development. These cells are associated with a condition in which the skull does not grow sufficiently. The study is said to have uncovered the mechanism by which genetic mutations destroy these cells and impede skull growth.
The research team also looked at the effect of drugs on skeletal development. Among the 65 drugs not recommended during pregnancy, we selected those that may interfere with skeletal development. “Obtaining a ‘blueprint’ of skeletal formation could potentially help develop treatments for bone-related diseases,” the researchers said.
A research team from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, another member of the HCA consortium, has released the most detailed intestinal cell map ever discovered. Both the location information of 1.6 million cells and the functions of individual cells were identified. It showed where intestinal cells are located, what types there are, and how they interact with surrounding tissue.
The intestinal cell map created by the research team was created using tissue sample data from patients without gastrointestinal diseases and patients with stomach cancer, colon cancer, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, and was able to distinguish intestinal cells that affect various intestinal diseases. It is assessed as having been achieved. For example, an intestinal cell with genetic similarity to gastrointestinal cells was found to be involved in healing the stomach lining and at the same time cause an inflammatory response in the intestine.
Among the research released this time, there is also a machine learning-based analysis tool that finds cells that perform similar functions based on gene expression patterns. “This is an important moment as we move toward completing the first draft of the human cell atlas,” said HCA co-founding chairman Aviv Regev. “I will,” he said. #Cell Map#Personalized Medicine
Donga Science Reporter Park Jeong-yeon [email protected]
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* How can the open-access nature of the Human Cell Atlas data promote collaboration and accelerate scientific discovery in the field of cell biology?
## Open-Ended Questions for Discussion:
This article presents exciting advancements in our understanding of human cells. Here are some open-ended questions to spark discussion:
**Section 1: Skeletal Development & Disease**
* This research has identified specific genes linked to cartilage repair and arthritis risk. What are the potential implications of this discovery for developing new treatments or preventive measures for arthritis?
* What ethical considerations arise from the finding that certain drugs can interfere with skeletal development, particularly during pregnancy?
* How might a “blueprint” of skeletal formation be used to develop personalized treatments for bone-related diseases?
**Section 2: Intestinal Cell Map & Disease**
* This detailed map portrays the intricacies of intestinal cells, including their location and function. How can this knowledge be applied to better understand and treat gastrointestinal diseases?
* The map reveals cells with dual roles – healing the stomach lining and triggering inflammation. What are the potential implications of this discovery for developing targeted therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases?
* How might machine learning technology further advance our understanding of cell function and disease development based on gene expression patterns?
**Section 3: The Human Cell Atlas Project**
* This research is part of a larger effort to create a comprehensive atlas of all human cells. What are the potential benefits of this ambitious project for scientific research and medical advancements?
* What challenges might researchers face in completing the Human Cell Atlas, and how can these challenges be overcome?
* How might access to a complete cell atlas impact personalized medicine and treatments in the future?
These questions encourage critical thinking, explore different perspectives, and dive deeper into the complex issues raised by the advancements discussed in the article.
