Cell-cell communication

Cracking the code
of biological function

Innovative biotechnology has transformed our understanding of what tissues and organs are made of. But understanding how cells communicate in their native context, and how they come together to form complex biological systems, is a frontier we’re only beginning to explore.

The discoveries that changed how we see biology

DNA

Finding disease risks and genetic mutations

The study of DNA marked a major step forward in biological research. It enabled the development of diagnostic tests to detect genetic diseases and helped identify specific gene mutations in inherited diseases and cancer. This laid the foundation for understanding disease at the genetic level, while cellular function remained shaped by dynamic gene expression, protein interactions, and environmental influences beyond DNA alone.

RNA

Achieving insights into gene expression

RNA analysis added another dimension to our understanding of biology, allowing researchers to interpret gene expression patterns and cellular processes. While it provides valuable insight into gene expression, RNA levels are not reliable predictors of cellular function because they do not reflect posttranscriptional modifications or protein activity.

Protein

Uncovering cellular machinery

Proteins bring us closer to understanding cellular function. More closely associated with human phenotypes than DNA and RNA, they constitute the majority of therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Their presence and coexpression provide important biological information, although neither constitutes direct proof of function.

Cell-cell communication

Understanding how cells work together

Decades of breakthroughs have given us an extraordinary understanding of the molecular world. Cell-cell communication builds on this knowledge, bringing the interactions between cells into focus.

Understanding how cells communicate, coordinate their actions, and adapt to their surroundings in human tissues adds an important dimension. By studying these interactions through functional profiling, researchers can gain a clearer picture of cellular complexity in health and disease, including the effects of upstream molecular processes.

What do experts envision?

We’ve spoken with leading scientists from around the world about the value of functional data. Hear their perspectives on what it could mean for our understanding of biology.

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