Details for: CL0000115

Cell ID: CL0000115

Cell Name: endothelial cell

Description: From FMA: 9.07.2001: Endothelial cell has always been classified as a kind of epithelial cell, specifically a squamous cell but that is not true. First, endothelial cell can either be squamous or cuboidal (e.g. high-endothelial cell) and secondly, it has different embryological derivation (mesodermal) than a true epithelial cell (ectodermal and endodermal). The basis for present classification is the fact that it comprises the outermost layer or lining of anatomical structures (location-based) but a better structural basis for the differentia is the cytoskeleton of the cell. Endothelial cell has vimentin filaments while an epithelial cell has keratin filaments. [Onard].

Synonyms: endotheliocyte

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 endothelial 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 endothelial 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 endothelial 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 endothelial 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:  endothelial cell (CL0000115)

 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.

Loading network (please wait)...

## Summary An [endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000115) is a specialized cell type of mesodermal origin that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and the heart. Characterized structurally by the presence of vimentin intermediate filaments, these cells form a critical barrier between circulating blood or lymph and the surrounding tissue. Gene significance analysis reveals a surprisingly specific expression profile, highlighted by the high Z-score for myoglobin ([MB](/details-gene/4151)), suggesting a crucial and potentially unique role in local oxygen homeostasis. This, combined with specific expression of endocrine factors and pathogen-recognition receptors, portrays the [endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000115) as a dynamic and multifunctional regulator of vascular function, immunity, and systemic metabolism. ## Key Characteristics and Function Analysis of gene significance in the **Overall** context identifies several functional clusters that define the primary roles of [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115). * **Oxygen Buffering and Hypoxia Response:** The most specific gene marker identified is [MB](/details-gene/4151) (CSI Z-Score: 12.87), which encodes myoglobin. Traditionally associated with muscle tissue, its highly specific expression in [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115) suggests a vital role in intracellular oxygen transport and storage at the vascular interface. This may be a key mechanism for buffering against local hypoxic stress and managing oxidative insults, a function critical to maintaining vascular integrity. * **Endocrine Signaling and Mineral Homeostasis:** [Endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115) exhibit specific expression of [FGF23](/details-gene/8074) (CSI Z-Score: 7.11), a potent hormone involved in regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. This finding positions the endothelium as an important endocrine organ. The secretion of [FGF23](/details-gene/8074) from the vascular lining could provide a direct mechanism for communicating local vascular status to systemic regulatory organs like the kidney. * **Pathogen Recognition and Immune Surveillance:** The specific expression of several C-type lectin receptors, including [CLEC1B](/details-gene/51266) and [CLEC4M](/details-gene/10332), underscores the role of [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115) as sentinels of the immune system. [CLEC4M](/details-gene/10332), also known as DC-SIGNR, acts as a receptor for various viruses, including HIV ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.m009807200)). [CLEC1B](/details-gene/51266) is involved in hemostasis and platelet activation. This molecular signature indicates that the endothelium is equipped to directly sense blood-borne pathogens and to interact with platelets, initiating immune and coagulation responses. * **Intracellular Signaling:** The identification of [TPTEP2 CSNK1E](/details-gene/102800317) as a marker suggests the importance of casein kinase I epsilon signaling in endothelial function. This kinase has been implicated in the regulation of cytokine signaling and cell differentiation ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2003-08-2768)), pointing to its potential role in modulating endothelial responses to inflammatory cues. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles The unique gene signature of [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115) has direct implications for several human diseases. * **Metabolic Bone Diseases:** The specific expression of [FGF23](/details-gene/8074) is of high clinical relevance. Mutations in this gene are known to cause autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1038/81664)), and its overproduction by tumors leads to tumor-induced osteomalacia ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.101545198)). The endothelium may therefore be a primary or contributing source of dysregulated [FGF23](/details-gene/8074) in these pathological states. * **Infectious Diseases:** The expression of [CLEC4M](/details-gene/10332) (DC-SIGNR) on [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115), particularly in tissues like the placenta ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.m009807200)), suggests these cells could serve as a reservoir or a portal of entry for viruses such as HIV. This highlights the vascular endothelium as a potential therapeutic target for preventing viral dissemination. Similarly, platelet capture of HIV is mediated in part by CLEC-2 ([CLEC1B](/details-gene/51266)), implicating endothelial-platelet interactions in viral pathogenesis ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00136-06)). * **Vascular Pathologies:** While the clinical role of endothelial [MB](/details-gene/4151) is not well-defined, its top-ranking specificity suggests that its dysregulation could be a factor in diseases involving vascular hypoxia, ischemia-reperfusion injury, or nitric oxide dysregulation, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis:** [Endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115) employ myoglobin ([MB](/details-gene/4151)) as a specialized intracellular system to buffer oxygen fluctuations and scavenge reactive nitrogen species, thereby protecting against ischemic damage and fine-tuning nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. * **Surprising Findings:** The identification of a quintessential muscle protein, myoglobin, as the most specific marker for [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115) challenges its canonical role and suggests a convergent evolutionary solution for oxygen management in high-demand tissues. * **Testable Questions:** Does conditional knockout of [MB](/details-gene/4151) in the endothelium compromise vascular function under hypoxic conditions or alter the physiological response to vasodilators like acetylcholine? 2. **Hypothesis:** The endothelium acts as an integrated sensorium, where pathogen recognition by C-type lectins such as [CLEC4M](/details-gene/10332) triggers not only local inflammatory responses but also modulates the secretion of systemic hormones like [FGF23](/details-gene/8074), thus linking local infection to global metabolic adjustments. * **Surprising Findings:** The co-expression of highly specific pathogen receptors and a potent systemic hormone within the same cell type suggests a previously unappreciated level of cross-talk between the immune and endocrine systems at the vascular interface. * **Testable Questions:** In cultured human [endothelial cells](/details-cell/CL0000115), does stimulation with ligands for [CLEC4M](/details-gene/10332) (e.g., viral glycoproteins) lead to a measurable change in the expression and secretion of [FGF23](/details-gene/8074)?