Celltyperna

Celltyperna is a term used in Swedish biology to refer to the distinct cellular identities found within tissues and organs. A cell type is defined by a characteristic set of gene expression patterns, morphology, and physiological function, distinguishing it from other cells in the same organism. The diversity of celltyperna arises through development and differentiation, where stem and progenitor cells specialize into specialized cells that carry out specific tasks.

Common examples of celltyperna include neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the nervous system; myocytes in muscle; epithelial cells lining surfaces such as skin, gut, and airways; endothelial cells lining blood vessels; and various immune cells like macrophages and lymphocytes. In multicellular organisms, tissue and organ function depend on the coordinated activity of many celltyperna, each contributing to tissue architecture and homeostasis. Classification schemes can be hierarchical, with broad categories such as epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues, and more granular subtypes defined by markers like transcription factors or surface proteins.

Modern approaches to map celltyperna include histology, immunohistochemistry, and especially single-cell RNA sequencing, which reveals gene-expression profiles at the level of individual cells. Comprehensive cell atlases catalogue known cell types across species and developmental stages, aiding research in development, physiology, disease, and regenerative medicine.