Details for: CL0000766

Cell ID: CL0000766

Cell Name: myeloid leukocyte

Description: A cell of the monocyte, granulocyte, or mast cell lineage.

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 myeloid leukocyte 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 myeloid leukocyte. 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 myeloid leukocyte. 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 myeloid leukocyte. 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:  myeloid leukocyte (CL0000766)

 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 [myeloid leukocyte](/details-cell/CL0000766) is a foundational cell of the innate immune system, encompassing cells of the monocyte, granulocyte, and mast cell lineages. Based on gene significance analysis, this cell type is characterized by an exceptionally high and specific expression of genes related to iron homeostasis and energy metabolism. The top markers, including ferritin subunits ([FTL](/details-gene/2512) and [FTH1](/details-gene/2495)) and numerous components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, suggest that the core identity of a [myeloid leukocyte](/details-cell/CL0000766) is intrinsically linked to its role as a metabolically-demanding first responder, equipped for processes such as phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and robust protein synthesis. ## Key Characteristics and Function Analysis of the top marker genes in the **Overall** context reveals several interconnected functional clusters that define the [myeloid leukocyte](/details-cell/CL0000766). * **Iron Homeostasis and Management:** The most significant markers are the ferritin light chain ([FTL](/details-gene/2512)) and heavy chain ([FTH1](/details-gene/2495)), both with exceptionally high specificity scores (CSI Z-Score: 136.21 and 116.00, respectively). This underscores the central role of myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, in sequestering, storing, and recycling iron, a critical process for both host defense (iron withholding from pathogens) and systemic iron balance. * **High-Energy Metabolic Activity:** A remarkable number of the top markers are genes encoding subunits of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This includes components of Complex I ([ND1](/details-gene/4535), [ND2](/details-gene/4536), [ND3](/details-gene/4537), [ND4](/details-gene/4538), [ND5](/details-gene/4540)), Complex III ([CYTB](/details-gene/4519)), Complex IV ([COX1](/details-gene/4512), [COX2](/details-gene/4513), [COX5B](/details-gene/1329)), and ATP synthase ([ATP6](/details-gene/4508)). This strong signature of oxidative phosphorylation machinery highlights the immense energy requirements of myeloid cells to fuel processes like phagocytosis, cytokine production, and maintenance of ion gradients. * **Robust Protein Synthesis and Turnover:** High expression specificity of genes involved in translation and protein stability, such as Translationally-Controlled Tumor Protein ([TPT1](/details-gene/7178)), Poly(A) Binding Protein Cytoplasmic 1 ([PABPC1](/details-gene/26986), and components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system ([UBC](/details-gene/7316), [UBE2D3](/details-gene/7323)), indicates a high capacity for protein synthesis and degradation. This is consistent with their function as professional secretory cells (e.g., cytokines, chemokines) and their need for rapid adaptation to inflammatory signals. * **Core Metabolic Regulation:** The high significance of [SAT1](/details-gene/6303), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine catabolism, and [OAZ1](/details-gene/4946), an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, points to the tight regulation of polyamines as a defining feature. Polyamines are critical for cell growth, differentiation, and stress response, suggesting their metabolism is a key regulatory node in myeloid cell function. * **Immune Presentation:** The presence of Beta-2-Microglobulin ([B2M](/details-gene/567)) as a significant marker reflects the role of these cells in antigen presentation via MHC class I molecules, a fundamental process for interacting with the adaptive immune system. The anti-marker list consists of genes with low significance scores and high p-values, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about pathways that are specifically repressed. These genes appear to be broadly expressed at low levels rather than being actively excluded from the myeloid lineage. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles As the analysis is based on an **Overall** context, clinical significance is inferred from the fundamental biological roles highlighted by the top marker genes. The prominent iron-handling signature ([FTL](/details-gene/2512), [FTH1](/details-gene/2495)) directly implicates [myeloid leukocytes](/details-cell/CL0000766) in the pathophysiology of iron-related disorders. In chronic inflammation, myeloid cells sequester iron, leading to anemia of chronic disease. Conversely, their dysfunction can contribute to iron overload conditions. These ferritin genes represent potential therapeutic targets for modulating iron availability during infection and inflammatory diseases. The profound reliance on mitochondrial energy production suggests that [myeloid leukocytes](/details-cell/CL0000766) may be particularly vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. This is relevant in a host of metabolic and age-related diseases where inflammation is a key component. The specific signature of mitochondrial genes could serve as a biomarker for the metabolic health and inflammatory potential of the myeloid compartment. The high specificity of [SAT1](/details-gene/6303) suggests a potential role in inflammatory diseases and cancer. As polyamine metabolism is tightly linked to cell proliferation and stress, dysregulation of [SAT1](/details-gene/6303) in myeloid cells could alter their inflammatory output and their interaction with tumors, making it a potential target for immunomodulation. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions ### Hypothesis 1 1. The overwhelming and specific expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain components suggests that the respiratory capacity is not merely a supportive "housekeeping" function but a central, defining feature of [myeloid leukocyte](/details-cell/CL0000766) identity and a primary regulator of their immune functions. * **Surprising Findings:** It is striking that numerous mitochondrially-encoded genes ([COX1](/details-gene/4512), [ND4](/details-gene/4538), etc.) are among the most *specific* markers based on the `csi_z` score. This implies that while all cells have mitochondria, the expression level in [myeloid leukocytes](/details-cell/CL0000766) is uniquely high and consistent compared to other cell types, making it a defining characteristic rather than a ubiquitous background signal. * **Testable Questions:** How do specific inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation (e.g., metformin, rotenone) alter the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages or dendritic cells, and how does this impact their subsequent response to pathogens like bacteria or viruses? ### Hypothesis 2 1. The co-emergence of ferritin subunits ([FTL](/details-gene/2512), [FTH1](/details-gene/2495)) and key regulators of polyamine metabolism ([SAT1](/details-gene/6303)) as top-tier markers suggests a functional crosstalk between iron homeostasis and polyamine pathways that is critical for myeloid cell effector functions. * **Surprising Findings:** The high rank of [SAT1](/details-gene/6303), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine *catabolism*, is unexpected. This suggests that breaking down polyamines, not just synthesizing them, is a highly specific and important activity in these cells, potentially for regulating proliferation, generating reactive oxygen species, or controlling inflammatory responses. * **Testable Questions:** Does genetic or pharmacological inhibition of [SAT1](/details-gene/6303) in macrophages alter their capacity to manage intracellular iron levels upon erythrophagocytosis, and does this subsequently affect their pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine profile?