Biggest human cell tree created
Scientists have created the biggest family tree of human cells yet, mapping unique factors for an incredible 166 different cell types that exist in an individual’s body.
Cells are the basic unit of a living organism. The human body consists of a vast array of highly specialised cells, such as blood cells, skin cells and neurons.
In total, more than 250 different cell types exist. In the study, scientists tried to answer how the different types are related to each other, which factors are unique for each cell type, and what determines the development of a certain cell.
Biologists at the Universities of Eastern Finland, Tampere and Luxembourg, Tampere University of Technology and the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, US, designed a computer-based method that used already existing biological data from all over the world and analysed them. This led to the identifications of unique factors for 166 different human cell types.
These factor, or master regulators, determine the development and distinguish different cell types from each other.
With this information they could map the relationship between the cell types in a family tree. These outcomes may serve as basis for the development of cell replacement therapies.
“Many diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, or extensive burns result in the loss or altered functionality of cells,” said Dr Merja Heinaniemi, first author of the study from the University of Eastern Finland. “Ideally one would replace those sick or lost cells by healthy ones. This study is an important step towards the development of such therapies,” Dr Heinaniemi.
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