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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
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Human Cell Aging Transcriptome Atlas (HCATA): a single-cell atlas of age-associated transcriptomic alterations across
Josh Bartz1,2, Xiao Ma1,2, Lei Zhang1,3
1Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Communications Biology
|October 9, 2025
Summary
The Human Cell Aging Transcriptome Atlas (HCATA) provides a comprehensive resource for studying how gene expression changes with age. This atlas helps researchers understand the impact of aging on cells and tissues.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Biological aging involves accumulating genetic and epigenetic changes.
- The impact of aging on the transcriptome is not fully understood.
- Understanding the aging transcriptome is crucial for insights into cellular aging processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive resource for exploring the aging transcriptome.
- To facilitate large-scale analysis of age-related gene expression changes.
- To provide insights into cellular responses to aging.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of single-cell RNA-sequencing data from 76 publications.
- Inclusion of 92 million cells and 3,475 tissue samples.
- Development of the Human Cell Aging Transcriptome Atlas (HCATA) with a genome browser.
Main Results:
- HCATA integrates extensive single-cell RNA-seq data across diverse tissues and age ranges (0-103 years).
- The atlas enables interactive exploration of age-related differential gene expression.
- Users can investigate age-related pathways at tissue and cell-type levels.
Conclusions:
- HCATA is a valuable public resource for aging research.
- It enhances understanding of the aging transcriptional landscape.
- Facilitates discovery of age-related molecular mechanisms.
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