Details for: CL0002132

Cell ID: CL0002132

Cell Name: stromal cell of ovary

Description: A stomal cell of the ovary

Synonyms: ovarian stromal cell

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 stromal cell of ovary 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 stromal cell of ovary. 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 stromal cell of ovary. 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 stromal cell of ovary. 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:  stromal cell of ovary (CL0002132)

 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 [stromal cell of ovary](/details-cell/CL0002132) is a constituent of the connective tissue framework of the ovary, providing structural and functional support to follicular and luteal cells. Based on its gene significance profile, this cell type is characterized by an exceptionally high level of metabolic activity and biosynthetic processes. The top specific markers (**Overall** context) are dominated by genes involved in mitochondrial aerobic respiration, protein synthesis and transport, and fundamental nuclear functions. This molecular signature suggests that the ovarian stromal cell is not merely a passive structural element but an energetic and biosynthetic hub crucial for maintaining the dynamic ovarian microenvironment. ## Key Characteristics and Function The gene expression profile of the [stromal cell of ovary](/details-cell/CL0002132) points to a cell with a profound commitment to core metabolic and biosynthetic activities. * **High Metabolic and Bioenergetic Output:** A striking feature is the high specificity score (`csi_z`) for numerous genes encoding components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This includes subunits of Complex I ([ND1](/details-gene/4535), [ND2](/details-gene/4536), [ND3](/details-gene/4537), [ND5](/details-gene/4540), [NDUFA4](/details-gene/4697)), Complex III ([UQCRB](/details-gene/7381)), Complex IV ([COX1](/details-gene/4512), [COX3](/details-gene/4514), [COX6C](/details-gene/1345)), and Complex V ([ATP6](/details-gene/4508)). This pattern is consistent with a high rate of aerobic respiration and ATP production, likely required to support the energy-intensive processes of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis occurring within the ovary. The high significance of [SOD1](/details-gene/6647), which is involved in response to oxidative stress and ovarian follicle development, further underscores this high metabolic state. * **Robust Protein Synthesis and Trafficking Machinery:** The cell displays high specificity for genes integral to protein synthesis, processing, and transport. [SRP14](/details-gene/6727), a component of the signal recognition particle, is essential for targeting proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. The high significance of the translation elongation factor [EEF1B2](/details-gene/1933) and the nucleolar phosphoprotein [NPM1](/details-gene/4869), which is involved in ribosome biogenesis, reinforces the notion of a high capacity for protein production. Furthermore, [ITM2B](/details-gene/9445), linked to protein processing in the Golgi, is a top marker, suggesting a well-developed secretory or protein quality control pathway. * **Core Nuclear and Transcriptional Regulation:** Several top markers are involved in fundamental nuclear processes. [BTF3](/details-gene/689) is a general transcription factor, [HNRNPA1](/details-gene/3178) is a key heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein involved in mRNA processing, and [SUMO2](/details-gene/6613) is involved in post-translational modification that regulates numerous nuclear events. The proto-oncogene [JUN](/details-gene/3725), a component of the AP-1 transcription factor, also shows high significance, indicating active transcriptional regulation in response to extracellular signals. * **Anti-Markers:** The least significant genes for this cell type include several involved in specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) formation such as [ASPN](/details-gene/54829) and [OMD](/details-gene/4958), and cell-cell adhesion molecules like [PCDH18](/details-gene/54510) and [CHL1](/details-gene/10752). This may suggest that while these cells contribute to the ovarian stroma, their defining role is more metabolic and biosynthetic rather than being primarily specialized in secreting a unique or complex ECM composition compared to other cell types. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles While only an **Overall** context is available, the specific gene signature of ovarian stromal cells provides insights into their potential clinical relevance. The high significance of the proto-oncogene [JUN](/details-gene/3725) and the nucleolar protein [NPM1](/details-gene/4869), which is frequently mutated in myeloid neoplasms, suggests that dysregulation of the core transcriptional and ribosomal machinery in these cells could be a factor in ovarian pathologies. The prominence of mitochondrial genes could also be relevant, as metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of many cancers, including ovarian cancer. A particularly noteworthy top marker is [ITM2B](/details-gene/9445). Mutations in this gene are known to cause familial British and Danish dementias, which are characterized by cerebral amyloid deposition ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1038/21637), [Link](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.080076097)). Its high specific expression in ovarian stromal cells is unexpected and raises questions about a potential role in protein homeostasis within the ovary, which could be relevant to processes like ovarian aging or the development of pathologies involving protein misfolding. The significance of [SOD1](/details-gene/6647) is also clinically relevant, as its function in managing reactive oxygen species is critical for oocyte quality and follicle health. Imbalances in this system within the stroma could impact fertility. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis:** Ovarian stromal cells function as the primary bioenergetic support system for the developing follicle, where their exceptionally high mitochondrial activity is not just for self-maintenance but is essential for providing energy substrates or signaling molecules to adjacent granulosa cells and the oocyte. * **Surprising Findings:** It is remarkable that numerous components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which are ubiquitously expressed, serve as highly *specific* markers for this cell type. This suggests that the sheer magnitude of aerobic respiration in ovarian stromal cells is so pronounced that it becomes a defining feature of their identity relative to other cells within their native tissue context. * **Testable Questions:** Can metabolic flux analysis demonstrate a transfer of energy-rich metabolites, such as lactate or pyruvate, from ovarian stromal cells to follicular cells in a co-culture system, and does inhibiting mitochondrial function specifically in stromal cells impair oocyte maturation *in vitro*? 2. **Hypothesis:** The high specific expression of [ITM2B](/details-gene/9445), a gene linked to amyloidogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases, indicates that ovarian stromal cells possess a specialized protein processing and quality control system to manage the high secretory load and proteotoxic stress associated with the cyclical hormonal fluctuations and tissue remodeling of the ovary. * **Surprising Findings:** The strong link between a top marker for an ovarian stromal cell and familial dementias is highly unexpected. This finding suggests a potential shared pathway of protein processing and amyloid precursor metabolism that is pathologically relevant in the brain but may have a distinct, physiological function in the dynamic environment of the ovary. - **Testable Questions:** Does the expression of [ITM2B](/details-gene/9445) in ovarian stromal cells fluctuate during the menstrual cycle in response to hormonal cues? Furthermore, do aged or pathological ovaries (e.g., from patients with premature ovarian failure) show evidence of protein aggregation or amyloid-like deposits within the stromal compartment?