A periodic table of cell types.

Area of Science:

• Single cell biology
• Developmental biology
• Evolutionary biology

Background:

• Single cell biology is rapidly advancing, revealing diverse cell types and states across biological systems.
• Defining "cell type" remains challenging due to the dynamic nature of development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a "periodic table of cell types" framework.
• To differentiate between cell types and transient cell states.
• To provide a tool for predicting novel cell types and states.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Analogy to the periodic table of elements.
• Comparison of cell states to isotopes.

Main Results:

• A proposed periodic table organizes cell types by developmental trajectories (periods) and differentiation stages (groups).
• Cell states are conceptualized as "isotopes" of a given cell type.
• The framework offers a systematic way to classify and understand cell diversity.

Conclusions:

• The periodic table of cell types provides a robust framework for defining and classifying cell types.
• This model can predict new cell types and states.
• It enhances understanding of cell type relationships in development and evolution.