Over the past decade, researchers mapped genomes, identified new cell types, and made remarkable progress in profiling biology at the single-cell level. But the next layer of biological understanding won’t come from studying cells in isolation, it will come from studying what happens between them. To move forward, we need to focus not only on who the cells are, but how they behave in their native context and in communication with each other.

Why Interactions Matter

A single cell only tells part of the story. Biology is inherently collaborative, cells communicate, adapt, and respond based on signals from their surroundings. These interactions influence everything from inflammation and regeneration to disease progression.

Studying these interactions allows for functional measurements that reflect what cells do, not just who they are. This could unlock a deeper understanding of how tissues function, and how those functions impact health and disease.

A Shift Toward Functional-Focused Research

The rise of DNA, RNA and protein profiling has transformed how we understand cellular diversity and tissue architecture. But these approaches often infer interactions through co-expression rather than capturing them directly.

Researchers are increasingly asking: How can we see not just which cells are present, but how they communicate with each other? What functional behaviors emerge when cells influence one another? What patterns or signals are we missing by treating cells as isolated entities?

Cells in Networks

A new era ahead