Details for: CL0000097

Cell ID: CL0000097

Cell Name: mast cell

Description: Mast cells are generally integrin beta-7-negative and positive for TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR9, C3aR, C5aR, CR3, CR4, VEGF, FGF2, and renin. They can express MHC Class I and II on their surface. Activated murine mast cells (IgE+Antigen) were capable of expressing the following co-stimulatory molecules: CD95 (Fas), CD120b, CD137 (4-1BB), CD153 (CD30L), CD154 (CD40L), GITR, ICOSL, OX40L, PD-L1, and PD-L2. Note that there was some mouse strain variation. Mast cells have also been demonstrated to produce bFGF, CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11, CCL20, CXCL2, CXCL8, CXCL10, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-8, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, IL-16, IL-25, IL-18, MIP-1, prostaglandin D2, SCF, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TSLP, VEGF, and XCL1. They express the transcription factors Transcription factors AP-1, GATA1, MITF, Notch2, PIAS3, PU.1, and STAT5.

Synonyms: histaminocyte, labrocyte, mastocyte, tissue basophil

Selected Context(s): Overall

Gene Significance Landscape

Display Options
Score:
Display
Genes

Contexts:

Cell Significance Index (CSI) is uniquely calculated to reveal cell-specific gene markers. More info here

Significant Genes List

Genes with the highest and lowest Percentile Rank Scores (PRS) for mast cell within the selected context(s).

Gene ID: A unique numerical identifier for this specific gene.
Symbol: Shortened abbreviation or name that represents this gene.
Ensembl Gene ID: A unique identifier assigned by Ensembl for genomic data mapping.
CSI Score: A combined effect size and statistical significance measure for mast cell. Higher scores indicate a stronger, more significant difference in expression.
(Previously described as "Fold Change", but now represents Cliff's Delta × –log10(p).)

Gene ID: A unique numerical identifier for this specific gene.
Symbol: Shortened abbreviation or name that represents this gene.
Ensembl Gene ID: A unique identifier assigned by Ensembl for genomic data mapping.
CSI Score: A combined effect size and statistical significance measure for mast cell. Higher scores indicate a stronger, more significant difference in expression.
Average CSI: csi sum / gene count
Cell network configuration

This network visualizes key genes for mast cell. It primarily includes:
1. Top genes highly significant for this cell (Num. Top Cell Genes - based on the 'Min. CSI' setting).
2. Any additional specific 'Context Genes' you add below.
The final network is a combined view. Choose an Interaction Source (pathways or protein interactions) and optionally compare CSI scores with a Baseline Cell Type.

Maximum number of selected genes.
Select a context for the baseline cell.
Select a context for the target cell.
Target Cell for CSI:  mast cell (CL0000097)

 Legend
Nodes (Genes):
 Query Gene
Node size also reflects Target Cell CSI magnitude.
Node Color (Target Cell CSI in specific network):
 Very High
 High
 Medium
 Low
 Very Low
 N/A or Not Sig.
Edges (Interactions):
 STRING (Protein-Protein)
 ONTOLOGY (Shared Pathway)
 Colors vary by pathway category; default arrow applies.

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## Summary The [mast cell](/details-cell/CL0000097) is a tissue-resident immune cell known for its critical role in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. Its identity is classically defined by the expression of various Toll-like receptors, complement receptors, and its capacity to produce a vast array of pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and chemokines upon activation. Transcriptomic analysis based on expression specificity (**Overall** context) reveals a unique molecular signature, highlighting a surprising set of defining markers not traditionally associated with immune function, such as [STRC](/details-gene/161497) and [PRND](/details-gene/23627). This suggests that beyond their established immunological roles, [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) possess specialized functions related to cell-matrix adhesion, calcium signaling, and potentially neuro-immune communication. ## Key Characteristics and Function Analysis of top marker genes, ranked by expression specificity (`csi_z`), elucidates several functional themes that define the [mast cell](/details-cell/CL0000097) phenotype. * **Cell Adhesion and Structural Interaction:** A prominent feature is the high specificity of genes involved in cell adhesion. These include [PCDHB15](/details-gene/56121), a protocadherin, and unexpectedly, [STRC](/details-gene/161497) (stereocilin), a protein primarily known for its structural role in the inner ear ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1038/ng726)). While its function in [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) is unknown, its involvement in cell-matrix adhesion may suggest a specialized mechanism for tissue anchoring or mechanosensing. The high specificity of [PFN4](/details-gene/375189), an actin-monomer binding protein, further underscores the importance of cytoskeletal dynamics, which are crucial for cell motility and the degranulation process. * **Calcium-Dependent Signaling:** The significant expression of calcium-binding proteins like [S100A6](/details-gene/6277) and [TPT1](/details-gene/7178) is consistent with the central role of calcium signaling in mediating mast cell degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators. * **Antigen Presentation and Immune Function:** The presence of [B2M](/details-gene/567) as a top marker aligns with the cell's description, confirming its capacity for MHC Class I expression and potential interaction with cytotoxic T lymphocytes. * **Metabolism and Protein Processing:** High specificity for [FTL](/details-gene/2512) and [FTH1](/details-gene/2495), the light and heavy chains of ferritin, suggests a specialized role in iron homeostasis, a process increasingly linked to the regulation of immune responses. Furthermore, the expression of [GALNT9](/details-gene/50614), a polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, indicates active O-linked glycosylation, which is likely vital for modifying the wide array of proteins [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) secrete. * **Novel and Regulatory Markers:** The top markers are dominated by several unexpected genes. The prion-like protein Doppel ([PRND](/details-gene/23627)), which is implicated in neurodegeneration ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1006/jmbi.1999.3108)), is a highly specific marker, pointing towards a potential role in neuro-immune interactions. Additionally, the identification of multiple non-coding RNAs such as [TBC1D8 AS1](/details-gene/100506286) and [LINC02877](/details-gene/152118) as top markers suggests that the unique identity and function of [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) are maintained by complex layers of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Conversely, the anti-marker profile provides critical insights into what this cell is not. The strong negative significance for the T-cell receptor gene [TRAV39](/details-gene/28642) definitively separates [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) from the T-lymphocyte lineage. A particularly striking finding is the significant negative expression of multiple genes encoding subunits of cytochrome c oxidase, such as [COX6A1](/details-gene/1337), [COX6C](/details-gene/1345), and [COX5B](/details-gene/1329). This pattern suggests that [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) may have a distinct metabolic profile with a reduced reliance on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation compared to other cell types. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles As this analysis is based on an **Overall** context, it provides a general blueprint of the [mast cell](/details-cell/CL0000097) identity. The unusual marker profile offers novel avenues for clinical investigation. The high specificity of [STRC](/details-gene/161497), a gene whose mutations cause non-syndromic deafness and male infertility ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.2006.045765)), is a profound observation. Its role in [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) is completely unexplored but could imply a function for these cells in the pathobiology of the inner ear or reproductive tissues, where they may contribute to inflammatory conditions. Similarly, the unique expression of the prion-related protein [PRND](/details-gene/23627) could link [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) to neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory diseases, where mast cell activation is a known feature. These markers represent potential targets for modulating mast cell activity in a tissue-specific manner. The strong signature for iron metabolism genes ([FTL](/details-gene/2512), [FTH1](/details-gene/2495)) may be relevant in diseases characterized by iron dysregulation and inflammation, such as certain cancers or chronic infections, where mast cells are key players in the microenvironment. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis:** Mast cells utilize a unique repertoire of adhesion molecules, including stereocilin ([STRC](/details-gene/161497)), for tissue anchoring and mechanosensing, which may be critical for their activation in specific microenvironments like the inner ear or skin. * **Surprising Findings:** The most specific marker for this immune cell is a gene primarily known for its structural role in auditory hair cells. This challenges the conventional understanding of mast cell-matrix interactions. * **Testable Questions:** Does conditional knockout of [STRC](/details-gene/161497) in [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) alter their tissue localization, degranulation response to physical stimuli (e.g., vibration, pressure), or their interaction with extracellular matrix components like collagen? 2. **Hypothesis:** [Mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097) exhibit a distinct metabolic profile characterized by a lower reliance on oxidative phosphorylation compared to other resident immune cells, possibly favoring glycolysis to support rapid, high-demand processes like degranulation and cytokine synthesis upon activation. * **Surprising Findings:** Multiple core components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, such as [COX6A1](/details-gene/1337), [COX6C](/details-gene/1345), and [COX5B](/details-gene/1329), serve as strong negative markers, suggesting a specific downregulation or lower abundance of this pathway is a defining feature of the cell type. * **Testable Questions:** How do metabolic inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation versus glycolysis affect [mast cell](/details-cell/CL0000097) activation, degranulation, and cytokine production in vitro? Does metabolic profiling (e.g., via Seahorse assay) confirm a glycolytic preference in resting and activated [mast cells](/details-cell/CL0000097)?