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This is the story of two of them: Squiggy and CeCe.

On this week's episode: 

Squiggy's Identity Crisis!

In which our heroes take a ride on HuBMAP's ASCT+B Reporter, learn that "partonomy" has nothing to do with the science of partying, and are reminded why it's always important to read notes from your mother.

TV narrator: In conclusion, the Human Reference Atlas is a comprehensive, high-resolution, three-dimensional atlas of all the cells in the healthy human body.
TV narrator: With the HRA, everyone will be able to find the names and locations of all their favorite cells!
Squiggy: Hey, CeCe?
CeCe: What is it, Squiggy?
Squiggy: Have you ever wondered about the big questions? You know: Who am I? Do I belong? What is my purpose?
CeCe: Sure, Squig. I think everybody does.
Squiggy: But I have so many questions, and I don't know any of the answers. This identity crisis has me all bent out of shape!
CeCe: Whoa, Squiq! Don't burst your membrane!
CeCe: We can use the Human Reference Atlas to figure out what you are and where you belong!
CeCe: And I think I know just the perfect place to start!
Squiggy: Ahh! Who just turned out all the lights?
CeCe: Don't worry Squiggy, it's just a scene transition.
Squiggy: Oh, well, I am NOT a fan.
CeCe: This is the Human Reference Atlas's ASCT+B Reporter!
Squiggy: What does it do?
CeCe: Well, it can help us solve your identity crisis!
CeCe: The ASCT+B Reporter allows researchers to explore anatomical structures, cell types, and biomarkers that make up organs.
CeCe: The data tables from which the Reporter gets its information are authored and reviewed by experts in their field.
other Created with Sketch. Ciliated bronchial cell CDHR3 CDHR4 DNAH12 DYNLRB2 FOXJ1 RSPH TUBB4D Pair of lungs Lung Lobe of lung Lobar bronchus CeCe: You see, Squig, the ASCT+B Tables are arranged as a partonomy. Just as the "lungs" are part of the larger "body" category, our next stop, the "lobe of the lung," is part of the larger lung category. CeCe: Now you've got it, Squiggy! CeCe: Next stop cell types! These are the blue dots. Oh, and look at this. We've happened to arrive at the most awesome cell type in the human body: the ciliated bronchial cell. CeCe: We ciliated bronchial cells are important for your respiratory system to function. Our hair-like cilia sway back and forth to move particle-containing mucus out of the way. CeCe: Yeah, I'm kind of big deal among the respiratory crowd! ciliated bronchial cell CeCe: Those lines lead to biomarkers, which are indicators like lipids, proteins, genes, or metabolites that provide scientists with valuable information about cell types in both healthy and diseased states. CeCe: Going from the ciliated bronchial cell node, we can see that my cell type is characterized by these seven biomarkers. Squiggy: I get it! So, where we're headed next, the lobar bronchus, is part of the lobe of the lung. Squiggy: Hey, wait a minute CeCe, aren't YOU a... Squiggy: Wow, CeCe, I didn't know you were so important! Squiggy: Hey, CeCe, I thought we were finished. Why are there lines coming out of this blue node? Squiggy: Wait a minute, Ce Ce, I just realized why they call this a PARTonomy. Squiggy: Ohhh, I see what you did there! CeCe: Hey Squig, how about we check out my favorite organ: the lungs!
Squiggy: Do you think I have biomarkers that would help scientists identify what kind of cell type I am?
CeCe: You bet, Squig! Scientists have many ways of detecting the presence of characteristic biomarkers.
CeCe: Unfortunately, those are way too complicated to get into right now, so let me just look at that tag on your back.
Squiggy: Tag? What tag?
CeCe: Right here!
Squiggy: Ooooh!
Squiggy: But how will these help me find out what kind of cell I am?
CeCe: I'll show you. Ready to go on another journey, Squiggy?
Squiggy: Oh, CeCe, please... no more! Don't make me ride this crazy thing again. I haven't recovered from the last trip!
CeCe: Alright, alright. Don't pop your nucleus. I've got an idea.
CeCe: Maybe we could ask these people out here to help.
Squiggy: What people?
CeCe: Those nice people out there who have been scrolling along and reading our adventure.
CeCe: How about it readers? Want to help out our friend?
Squiggy: Oh, please say "yes!"
CeCe: Then head over to the Reporter to find out what kind of cell type our friend is.

What Is Squiggy's Cell Type?

  • Head over to the ASCT+B reporter to find out.
  • Remember, Squiggy's biomarkers are Keratin 5/6, Keratin 7, p60.
  • Along with being characterized by those biomarkers, Squiggy is a type of cell that can be found hanging out in the large intestine (among other places throughout the body).
  • Choosing only the large intestine ASCT+B table and starting from there will make your job a lot easier!
  Show hint
 
  • If you're stuck, watch this tutorial video:

 Watch video

Hey I know! Squiggy's cell type is ...

Sebocyte

Epithelial Stem Cell

Squamous

Subepithelial membrane


External Links

ASCT+B Tables
See the ASCT+B tables in all their Excel spreadsheet glory!
View Tables
3D Organs
Want to look at some cool 3D organs? Why, of course you do!
View 3D Organs
Functional Tissue Units
Or are 2D functional tissue units more your style?
View Illustrations
HRA in Nature Cell Biology
Ready to go deeper? Check out this paper on ASCT+B tables from Nature Cell Biology.
Read Paper
2024 CNS at Indiana University

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Medical Disclaimer: This resource is intended for research purposes only. It should not be used for emergencies or medical or professional advice.