Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
08:04
Human Pseudoislet System for Synchronous Assessment of Fluorescent Biosensor Dynamics and Hormone Secretory Profiles
Published on: November 3, 2023
The Hormone Cell Atlas decodes the human endocrine system, one cell at a time
Dominique Langin1, André C Carpentier2
1Univ Toulouse, Inserm, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, I2MC, 31432 Toulouse, France; CHU Toulouse, Institut Fédératif de Biologie Purpan, service de biochimie, Toulouse, France; Institut Universitaire de France, IUF, Paris, France.
Cell Metabolism
|August 4, 2026
Summary
The Hormone Cell Atlas maps 14 million cells across 47 human tissues, detailing hormone production and sensitivity. This research advances understanding of endocrine and metabolic functions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hormones regulate numerous physiological processes.
- Understanding hormone production and target cells is crucial for metabolic health.
- Previous atlases lacked comprehensive, multi-tissue hormone mapping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive map of hormone production and sensitivity across human tissues.
- To identify specific cell types involved in hormone signaling.
- To provide a resource for understanding endocrine and metabolic regulation.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Hormone Cell Atlas.
- Analysis of a 14-million-cell dataset.
- Mapping hormone production and sensitivity across 47 human tissues.
Main Results:
- Detailed mapping of hormone production sites.
- Identification of hormone-sensitive receiver cells across tissues.
- Expansion of knowledge on endocrine signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- The Hormone Cell Atlas provides unprecedented insight into human endocrine systems.
- Findings open new research avenues in endocrinology and metabolism.
- This resource facilitates a deeper understanding of hormone-mediated physiological processes.
Related Concept Videos
00:59Structures of the Endocrine System
The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
00:46What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
01:10An Overview of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...
The endocrine system collaborates...
01:45Endocrine Signaling
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
01:08Chemical Signaling in the Endocrine System
A signaling cascade is a series of events that facilitates the transmission of information within or between cells, culminating in a targeted response in the recipient cell. As chemical messengers, hormones are pivotal in initiating and modulating these intricate signaling cascades based on their solubility.
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...