Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a web-based platform called the Single Cell Atlas (SCA), which offers a detailed view of the human body at the cellular level. This platform aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers worldwide to gain insights into human health and disease. The SCA is based on analyses of thousands of human tissue samples from 125 different adult and fetal tissues, using cutting-edge omics technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map gene expression in the tissue. The platform provides unique insights into individual cell properties and interactions within tissues and is freely accessible through its website.
The SCA not only saves time and resources for researchers but also fosters a collaborative environment for scientists from diverse fields, enabling new discoveries and innovations. The team plans to further refine the SCA by introducing more detailed analyses and annual updates, filling gaps in tissue representation and expanding the sample size for more precise research. The ultimate goal is to continually enrich the atlas, making it an invaluable resource for understanding human health and disease. This significant step forward in biomedical research has the potential to drive new discoveries and innovations in the field.
The research was conducted in collaboration with China Medical University and several other international partners in The Single Cell Atlas Consortium. Funding for the study was provided by Karolinska Institutet and the KI Network Medicine Global Alliance. One of the coauthors, Volker Lauschke, discloses competing interests as the CEO and shareholder of HepaPredict AB, co-founder and shareholder of PersoMedix AB, and consultancy work for Enginzyme AB, while the other authors declare no competing interests. Overall, the development of the SCA represents a significant advancement in biomedical research, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of human health and disease.
The SCA offers an unprecedented view of the human body at the cellular level, providing researchers with detailed information about individual cell properties and interactions within tissues. The platform is based on analyses of thousands of human tissue samples from various adult and fetal tissues, utilizing cutting-edge omics technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map gene expression in the tissue. By offering a comprehensive and detailed view of human biology, the SCA aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers worldwide to deepen their knowledge about human health and disease.
The team behind the SCA plans to continuously refine and enhance the platform by introducing more detailed analyses and annual updates. By filling gaps in tissue representation and expanding the sample size, researchers will be able to conduct more precise research and gain a deeper understanding of human health and disease. This collaborative effort between Karolinska Institutet, China Medical University, and international partners in The Single Cell Atlas Consortium has the potential to drive new discoveries and innovations in biomedical research, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.
The development of the SCA marks a significant advancement in biomedical research, offering researchers a powerful tool to explore human biology at the cellular level. Through the analysis of thousands of human tissue samples and the utilization of cutting-edge omics technologies, the SCA provides valuable insights into individual cell properties and interactions within tissues. This web-based platform not only saves time and resources for researchers but also fosters a collaborative environment for scientists from diverse fields, paving the way for new discoveries and innovations in the field. With ongoing efforts to enrich the atlas and make it an invaluable resource for understanding human health and disease, the SCA has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research and lead to improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.
