Figures & Tables (cc-figures-tables)

When to trigger

• Representative images (blots, IHC, micrographs) shown without quantification
• A multi-panel figure has no clear narrative logic
• Worried about image-integrity standards (splicing, over-processing)
• Building a graphical abstract or supplemental display items

Cancer Cell figure logic

Each main figure should advance one step of the mechanistic argument and be readable on its own:

• Panels flow left-to-right / top-to-bottom as a mini-narrative (perturbation → readout → mechanism → consequence).
• Mechanistic figures typically combine schematic + functional data + in vivo and/or human validation.
• A figure usually carries discovery, validation, and a control panel together.
• Keep one main message per figure; push orthogonal corroboration to supplement.

Quantify everything representative

The signature Cancer Cell requirement: a representative image must be paired with quantification across biological replicates.

Show data points (superplots) for small n; never imply quantity from one picture.

Image integrity (Cell Press enforces)

• Keep uncropped, unprocessed raw blots/gels; include full-length blots in supplement with MW markers.
• No splicing of lanes without a clear dividing line and disclosure.
• Adjustments (brightness/contrast) must be linear and applied to the entire image, including controls.
• Do not duplicate, mirror, or reuse panels across figures.
• Disclose any grouping of images from different parts of the same gel.

Tables and the Key Resources Table

• The Key Resources Table (STAR Methods) is mandatory — see cc-reporting-standards.
• Data tables (cohorts, mutation lists, screen hits) go to supplement; keep main tables minimal.
• Define every abbreviation and unit in legends.

Legends

• State n, what one replicate is, the statistical test, the error-bar definition, and scale bars.
• Each panel letter referenced; magnification/scale bar on all micrographs.
• Antibodies / markers / treatments named in the legend.

Checklist

• [ ] Every figure advances one mechanistic step; panel order tells a story
• [ ] Each representative image is paired with replicate-level quantification
• [ ] Data points shown for small-n panels (superplots)
• [ ] Blots uncropped in supplement, MW markers visible, no undisclosed splicing
• [ ] Image adjustments linear and whole-image; no duplicated panels
• [ ] Scale bars on all micrographs; channels/markers labeled
• [ ] Legends give n, test, error-bar definition
• [ ] In vivo / human validation panels present where claims need them
• [ ] Graphical abstract (if used) conveys the mechanism at a glance

Anti-patterns

• One representative blot/image as the entire evidence (no quantification)
• Bar charts hiding tiny n; undefined error bars
• Spliced or over-contrasted blots; reused/duplicated panels
• Overcrowded figures mixing several unrelated messages
• Missing scale bars or unlabeled axes
• Beautiful schematic with no supporting data

Output format

【Per-figure message】Fig1: ... Fig2: ...
【Representative-without-quantification】flagged panels: [...]
【Image integrity】raw blots? linear adj? duplication check
【Legends】n / test / error bar / scale bar present? Y/N
【Validation panels】in vivo / human present where needed?
【Next step】cc-structured-abstract