Researchers have created a preliminary map of some of the nearly 37.2 trillion cells in the human body.
Each type of cell has a specific role, and knowing what each cell does can help scientists have a better understanding of the health and diseases like cancer.
The scientists focused on certain organs — mapping out the functions of cells in the mouth, stomach and intestines, as well as the cells that determine how bones and joints develop. They also analyzed which cells are grouped together in tissues, where they are located within the body, and how they change over time.
They hope the high-resolution atlas — considered a first draft — will help researchers combat diseases that damage or corrupt human cells.
“When things go wrong, first of all they go wrong with our cells,” said Aviv Regev, co-chair of the Human Cell Atlas consortium who participated in researching the atlas, which is open access.
The findings were published Wednesday in Nature and other related journals.
The group plans to release a more comprehensive atlas in 2026, profiling cells in 18 organs and body systems, such as the skin, heart and breast, among others.
The current cell map not only maps the different types of human cells, but also shows the relationships the cells have with each other, said Dr. Timothy Chan, a cancer expert at the Cleveland Clinic.
Chan noted that the project offers an in-depth look at human biology, which will surely have practical use in issues such as identifying and treating cancer cells.
“Each type of cell has its Achilles heel,” said Chan, who was not involved in the research. “This is going to be a blessing” in cancer research.
Scientists are also working on other atlases that could help them better understand health and disease in specific parts of the human body.
With brain atlases, they seek to understand the structure, location and function of the different types of neuronal cells. A new gut microbiome atlas examines the collection of microorganisms in the intestines, which play a critical role in digestion and immune system health.