Details for: CL0000649

Cell ID: CL0000649

Cell Name: prickle cell

Marker Score Threshold: 6599
(Derived using integrated single-cell and genomic data)

Description: A cell with delicate radiating processes known as desmosomes that form intercellular bridges between other cells of this type. This cell type forms the stratum spinosum (prickle cell layer). A function of this cell is to generate keratin.

Synonyms: prickle cell of epidermis

Genes (max top 100)

(Marker Score score is uniquely calculated using our advanced thresholding algorithms to reveal cell-specific gene markers)

  • Gene Symbol: CTSD (ENSG00000117984)
    Fold Change: 2.55
    Ensembl ID: ENSG00000117984
  • Gene Symbol: CTSB (ENSG00000164733)
    Fold Change: 1.03
    Ensembl ID: ENSG00000164733
Hovered Details

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Hovered Details

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**Key Characteristics** 1. **Desmosomes**: Prickle cells possess desmosomes, which are specialized intercellular junctions that provide mechanical strength and stability to the skin. 2. **Radiating processes**: The cell surface of prickle cells is covered with radiating processes, also known as microvilli, which increase the surface area for cell-cell interactions and keratin production. 3. **Keratin generation**: Prickle cells are responsible for generating keratin, a protein that provides strength and rigidity to the skin. 4. **Stratum spinosum**: Prickle cells form the stratum spinosum, a layer of the skin that is characterized by the presence of desmosomes and radiating processes. **Clinical Significance** Prickle cells play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of the skin. Abnormalities in prickle cell function or number can lead to various skin disorders, including: 1. **Eczema**: Prickle cells play a key role in the development of eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin. 2. **Psoriasis**: Prickle cells are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by thick, scaly skin. 3. **Wound healing**: Prickle cells are essential for wound healing, as they provide a scaffold for the migration and differentiation of other skin cells. 4. **Skin cancer**: Abnormalities in prickle cell function or number have been implicated in the development of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. **Genetics** Prickle cells are associated with the following genes: 1. **CTSD**: The CTSD gene encodes for cathepsin D, a lysosomal aspartic protease that is involved in the degradation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. 2. **CTS B**: The CTSB gene encodes for cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease that is involved in the degradation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. These genes are involved in various cellular processes, including protein degradation, cell signaling, and immune response. Abnormalities in these genes have been implicated in various skin disorders and cancers. **Pathways and Ontology** Prickle cells are involved in various cellular pathways and ontologies, including: 1. **Adaptive immune system**: Prickle cells are involved in the adaptive immune response, as they express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and interact with T cells. 2. **Antigen processing and presentation**: Prickle cells are involved in the processing and presentation of antigens to T cells, which is essential for the adaptive immune response. 3. **Autophagosome assembly**: Prickle cells are involved in the assembly of autophagosomes, which are cellular structures that are involved in the degradation of cellular components. 4. **Collagen degradation**: Prickle cells are involved in the degradation of collagen, a key protein that provides strength and rigidity to the skin. These pathways and ontologies are involved in various cellular processes, including protein degradation, cell signaling, and immune response. Abnormalities in these pathways have been implicated in various skin disorders and cancers.