Deanne Taylor, a developmental biologist, was inspired yet apprehensive upon learning about the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) project during a 2017 presentation at the University of Pennsylvania [1]. The HCA is an extensive initiative to create comprehensive maps of all cell types in the human body, providing a detailed reference for understanding human biology and disease.

Taylor’s concern stemmed from the realization that the project lacked a critical component: a map of gene expression in children. This oversight poses significant implications for understanding developmental processes, diseases unique to children, and potential therapeutic targets specific to pediatric populations [1].

To address this gap, Taylor embarked on a mission to establish the Pediatric Cell Atlas (PeCA), an extension of the HCA focused on mapping cell types and gene expression in children. By integrating her expertise in developmental biology with the broader scope of the HCA, Taylor aims to create a more comprehensive resource for researchers studying childhood diseases and development [1].

[1] MIT Technology Review. (2023, August 14). This scientist is helping build a missing map of childhood. https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/08/14/1141354/deanne-taylor-gene-expression-children/