The Pediatric Cell Atlas: Defining the Growth Phase of Human Development at Single-Cell Resolution

Dev Cell. 2019 Apr 8;49(1):10-29. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Abstract

Single-cell gene expression analyses of mammalian tissues have uncovered profound stage-specific molecular regulatory phenomena that have changed the understanding of unique cell types and signaling pathways critical for lineage determination, morphogenesis, and growth. We discuss here the case for a Pediatric Cell Atlas as part of the Human Cell Atlas consortium to provide single-cell profiles and spatial characterization of gene expression across human tissues and organs. Such data will complement adult and developmentally focused HCA projects to provide a rich cytogenomic framework for understanding not only pediatric health and disease but also environmental and genetic impacts across the human lifespan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Embryonic Development / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Pediatrics / trends*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*
  • Tissue Distribution / genetics