Details for: CL0000127

Cell ID: CL0000127

Cell Name: astrocyte

Description: Astrocytes are reportedly CD68-negative, CD121a-positive, CD184-positive, CD192-positive, CRF-positive, EGFR-positive, GFAP-positive, GLUT1-positive, MBP-negative, and NGFR-positive.

Synonyms: astrocytic glia

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 astrocyte 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 astrocyte. 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 astrocyte. 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 astrocyte. 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:  astrocyte (CL0000127)

 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 The [astrocyte](/details-cell/CL0000127), or astrocytic glia, is a key glial cell type in the central nervous system. Based on its gene significance profile, the [astrocyte](/details-cell/CL0000127) is characterized by the highly specific expression of a diverse suite of RNA-binding proteins and transcriptional regulators. The high cell-specificity index (`csi_z`) for genes like [MSI2](/details-gene/124540) and [ZBTB20](/details-gene/26137) suggests that a primary function of these cells is to execute complex programs of post-transcriptional and transcriptional control, which likely orchestrate their supportive, structural, and signaling roles within the neural microenvironment. ## Key Characteristics and Function **Overall**, the gene expression landscape of [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) underscores their role as master regulators and structural pillars within the central nervous system. The top markers, identified by their highly specific expression, can be grouped into several key functional clusters. * **RNA Processing and Post-Transcriptional Regulation:** A dominant signature of [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) is the specific expression of numerous RNA-binding proteins. These include [MSI2](/details-gene/124540), [QKI](/details-gene/9444), [TNRC6A](/details-gene/27327) (a component of P-bodies), and [CELF2](/details-gene/10659). This suggests that [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) are heavily involved in controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, including mRNA splicing, stability, and translational regulation. The expression of [QKI](/details-gene/9444) has been specifically implicated in glial tumor progression, highlighting its importance in glial biology ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1349-7006.2002.tb01255.x)). * **Transcriptional and Chromatin Control:** The cell's identity is further defined by a unique set of transcription factors and chromatin-modifying proteins. [ZBTB20](/details-gene/26137), [CAMTA1](/details-gene/23261), [TRPS1](/details-gene/7227), and the neuronal PAS domain protein [NPAS3](/details-gene/64067) all show high specificity. These factors likely establish and maintain the specific gene expression programs that underpin astrocyte functions. Disruption of [NPAS3](/details-gene/64067) has been linked to schizophrenia, suggesting an astrocytic contribution to this disorder ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.40.5.325)). Additionally, the chromatin helicase [CHD9](/details-gene/80205) points to active chromatin remodeling as a key regulatory layer. * **Cytoskeletal Organization and Cell Adhesion:** Consistent with their structural role, [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) express specific genes involved in cytoskeletal linkage and cell-cell interaction. These include [DST](/details-gene/667) (Bullous pemphigoid antigen 1), [DTNA](/details-gene/1837) (Dystrobrevin alpha), and [MAGI2](/details-gene/9863). Furthermore, cell adhesion molecules like [CADM2](/details-gene/253559) and [NRXN1](/details-gene/9378) are notable markers, underscoring the astrocyte's integral role in synaptic organization and signaling. * **Signaling and Ion Transport:** The high specificity of [GABRB1](/details-gene/2560), a GABA-A receptor subunit, highlights the astrocyte's role in responding to and modulating neurotransmitter signaling. The expression of [NRG3](/details-gene/10718), a ligand for the ErbB4 receptor, further implicates astrocytes in neurodevelopmental signaling pathways ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.18.9562)). * **Anti-Markers:** The relatively low specificity scores for pan-proliferation markers like [MKI67](/details-gene/4288) and cell cycle regulators like [CDK6](/details-gene/1021) are consistent with the generally quiescent state of mature [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127). Similarly, the low scores for pluripotency-associated transcription factors like [SOX2](/details-gene/6657) and [SOX11](/details-gene/6664) suggest these cells represent a terminally differentiated state. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles The gene signature of [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) provides multiple connections to neurological and psychiatric diseases, positioning these cells as critical players in central nervous system pathology. The high specificity of the RNA-binding protein [QKI](/details-gene/9444) is clinically significant, as its expression is known to be altered in human gliomas, suggesting it may be involved in glial tumorigenesis ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1349-7006.2002.tb01255.x)). Similarly, [MSI2](/details-gene/124540), another top RNA-binding protein marker, is known to be involved in hematopoietic malignancies through gene fusion events and may have an uncharacterized role in glial cell proliferation or pathology ([Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12649177/)). Several top astrocyte markers are directly implicated in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The specific expression of [NRXN1](/details-gene/9378) is particularly noteworthy, as its disruption is associated with autism spectrum disorder, pointing to a potential role for astrocytic dysfunction in synaptic pathology ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2007.09.011)). The high specificity of the transcription factor [NPAS3](/details-gene/64067) is also highly relevant, as its disruption via chromosomal translocation has been identified in a family with schizophrenia, strongly suggesting that astrocyte-specific gene regulation is critical for mental health ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.40.5.325)). These findings challenge neuron-centric models of psychiatric illness and highlight astrocytes as potential therapeutic targets. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis:** The highly specific expression of a large cohort of RNA-binding proteins ([MSI2](/details-gene/124540), [QKI](/details-gene/9444), [CELF2](/details-gene/10659)) indicates that [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) function as critical post-transcriptional regulators, controlling the spatiotemporal expression of key proteins necessary for synaptic maintenance, metabolic support, and their own reactivity. This "RNA regulon" may be a primary mechanism through which astrocytes dynamically shape the neural microenvironment. * **Surprising Findings:** The prominence of RNA-binding proteins as the top specificity markers, even over classical markers like GFAP, is striking. It suggests that the regulation of RNA metabolism is a more defining and unique feature of astrocyte identity than previously emphasized. * **Testable Questions:** What is the full repertoire of mRNA targets bound by [MSI2](/details-gene/124540) in human [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127), and how does the translation of these targets change when [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) are exposed to inflammatory or neurotoxic stimuli? 2. **Hypothesis:** The unique co-expression of transcription factors implicated in psychiatric disease ([NPAS3](/details-gene/64067)) and cell adhesion molecules critical for synapse function ([NRXN1](/details-gene/9378), [CADM2](/details-gene/253559)) suggests that a core function of [astrocytes](/details-cell/CL0000127) is to maintain the structural and functional integrity of synapses via a dedicated transcriptional program. Disruption of this astrocyte-specific program may be a primary driver of synapse pathology in disorders like schizophrenia and autism. * **Surprising Findings:** The identification of genes directly linked to distinct complex neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia via [NPAS3](/details-gene/64067), autism via [NRXN1](/details-gene/9378)) as highly specific markers within the same glial cell type suggests a potential convergence of pathological mechanisms at the level of astrocyte function. * **Testable Questions:** Does astrocyte-specific knockout of [NPAS3](/details-gene/64067) in a mouse model lead to altered expression of synaptic proteins like [NRXN1](/details-gene/9378) and result in behavioral phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia?