Building a reference manual for how cells connect with each other

Every multicellular organism, from tiny worms to humans, elephants, and whales, needs a way for their cells to connect with each other to form tissues, organs, and organize their overall body plan. Cells have a variety of protein receptors on their surfaces that connect with receptors on other cells to form so-called adhesive structures, as well as communicate with other cells and respond to cues from their environment.