Live·Open questions in longevity research
Big data on ageing

Database

Cell atlases

Open datasets on cells from humans and model organisms. Choose an atlas for your research question, open its measurements and compare gene expression or tissue composition.

From a question to data

Choose an organism and tissue, then open an atlas. In its browser, select a cell type and gene of interest. For age comparisons, check the age groups and independent donor counts. Download data and sample metadata to record your analysis conditions and repeat the comparison.

Mouse

Tabula Muris Senis

A mouse ageing atlas with gene-expression measurements from individual cells across tissues and age groups. A cell browser and processed data are available for independent analysis.

Example research question

Select liver immune cells and compare expression of a gene across age groups. Then check whether the difference holds across individual animals.

Conditions for comparison

These data concern mice. Account for animal count, sex, tissue and cell-isolation method. Cell count and independent animal count describe different aspects of the sample.

Human

Tabula Sapiens

An atlas of human cells across organs, including immune, epithelial, endothelial, neuronal and other cell populations. Explore measurements and export data through CELLxGENE.

Example research question

Compare expression of a selected gene in endothelial cells from different organs, then examine donor differences.

Conditions for comparison

The atlas is a reference for cell types and states. Ageing conclusions require checking donor ages, comparable samples and dataset version.

Fruit fly

Fly Cell Atlas

An adult fruit-fly atlas with single-nucleus and tissue data, including gut, heart and nervous system. The SCope browser and analysis files are available.

Example research question

Find gut cells expressing a selected gene. Use them as a starting point for an experiment that changes its activity.

Conditions for comparison

An adult cell map helps select cell types for research. Ageing comparisons require suitable age groups, and translation to humans requires independent validation.