Details for: CL0002548

Cell ID: CL0002548

Cell Name: fibroblast of cardiac tissue

Description: A fibroblast that is part of the heart.

Synonyms: cardiac fibroblast

Selected Context(s): Overall

Gene Significance Landscape

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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 fibroblast of cardiac tissue 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 fibroblast of cardiac tissue. 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 fibroblast of cardiac tissue. 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 fibroblast of cardiac tissue. 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:  fibroblast of cardiac tissue (CL0002548)

 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 [fibroblast of cardiac tissue](/details-cell/CL0002548) is a specialized mesenchymal cell type integral to the structure and function of the heart. Based on its gene significance profile, this cell is not merely a passive structural component but appears to be a highly specialized cell with distinct roles in transcriptional regulation, cell-cell communication, and potentially in modulating the mechanical and electrical properties of the myocardium. The high specificity scores (`csi_z`) for the long non-coding RNA [NEAT1](/details-gene/283131), the adhesion molecule [CDH19](/details-gene/28513), and the RNA-binding protein [MBNL1](/details-gene/4154) underscore a unique identity defined by complex gene regulation and intercellular signaling. Furthermore, the notable expression of genes typically associated with sarcomeric structure and neuronal signaling suggests a multifaceted functionality beyond classical fibroblast roles. ## Key Characteristics and Function The functional identity of the [fibroblast of cardiac tissue](/details-cell/CL0002548) can be understood through several key clusters of highly specific genes. * **Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation:** The top marker, [NEAT1](/details-gene/283131), is a core architectural lncRNA of nuclear paraspeckles, suggesting that the regulation of gene expression through nuclear organization and mRNA retention is a defining feature of this cell. This is further supported by the high significance of [MBNL1](/details-gene/4154), an RNA-binding protein crucial for alternative splicing, and [DDX5](/details-gene/1655), an RNA helicase. This indicates that cardiac fibroblasts possess a sophisticated machinery for controlling their transcriptome and proteome in response to physiological cues. * **Cell-Cell Adhesion and Communication:** A prominent theme is the specific expression of genes involved in intercellular adhesion. [CDH19](/details-gene/28513), a cadherin, points to a role in maintaining tissue integrity through calcium-dependent cell-cell junctions. More surprisingly, there is a strong signature of neuronal-like adhesion molecules, including [NLGN1](/details-gene/22871) (neuroligin 1), [NCAM2](/details-gene/4685) (neural cell adhesion molecule 2), and [NRXN3](/details-gene/9369) (neurexin 3). This suggests that cardiac fibroblasts may participate in complex signaling networks, potentially interacting directly with both cardiomyocytes and nerve endings within the heart. Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors like [ADGRB3](/details-gene/577) and [ADGRL3](/details-gene/23284) further highlight their capacity for mechanosensing and signal transduction. * **Myocyte-like Structural and Functional Properties:** A remarkable characteristic is the specific expression of a suite of genes traditionally associated with cardiomyocytes and muscle contraction. These include major structural components like [MYH7](/details-gene/4625) (Myosin Heavy Chain 7), and key proteins of the sarcomeric Z-disc such as [TCAP](/details-gene/8557) (Telethonin), [MYOZ2](/details-gene/51778), and [TNNT2](/details-gene/7139) (Troponin T2). While these fibroblasts are not muscle cells, the high specificity of these genes suggests they may exist in a "proto-myofibroblast" state, contributing significantly to the mechanical tension and viscoelastic properties of the cardiac interstitium. The expression of [RYR2](/details-gene/6262), the ryanodine receptor, also points to a potential role in calcium handling. * **Anti-Markers:** The lack of specificity for ubiquitously expressed genes like mitochondrial components ([COX1](/details-gene/4512), [COX3](/details-gene/4514)), housekeeping genes ([UBC](/details-gene/7316), [GAPDH](/details-gene/2597)), and major immune molecules ([B2M](/details-gene/567)) helps to refine the cell's identity. This pattern confirms that the top markers are not simply highly expressed but are uniquely characteristic of this cell type. The negative CSI for proliferative signals like [JUN](/details-gene/3725) is consistent with a quiescent, terminally differentiated state under **Overall** physiological conditions. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles The gene signature of cardiac fibroblasts provides several clues to their potential roles in cardiac health and disease. The specific expression of [MBNL1](/details-gene/4154) is clinically significant, as its dysregulation is a primary cause of myotonic dystrophy, a disease with severe cardiac manifestations including arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11590133/). This suggests that cardiac fibroblasts could be a key cellular player in the cardiac pathology of this disease. Furthermore, many of the top markers, such as [MYH7](/details-gene/4625), [TNNT2](/details-gene/7139), [TCAP](/details-gene/8557), and [RYR2](/details-gene/6262), are well-known cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia genes. While their roles are extensively studied in cardiomyocytes, their specific expression in fibroblasts suggests these cells may contribute to the disease phenotype. This could occur through altered extracellular matrix deposition (fibrosis), aberrant cell signaling, or dysfunctional calcium handling within the cardiac interstitium, thereby impacting the function of adjacent cardiomyocytes. The presence of a neuronal-like signaling apparatus ([NLGN1](/details-gene/22871), [NRXN3](/details-gene/9369)) implies that cardiac fibroblasts could be involved in regulating cardiac innervation and autonomic control. Dysregulation of this axis could contribute to arrhythmogenesis or heart failure progression by disrupting the delicate signaling balance between nerves and muscle in the heart. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis:** [Fibroblasts of cardiac tissue](/details-cell/CL0002548) are not passive bystanders but function as critical regulators of myocardial mechanics by maintaining a baseline state of mechanical tension through the specific expression of a sarcomeric-like protein network. * **Surprising Findings:** The expression of a diverse array of Z-disc ([TCAP](/details-gene/8557), [MYOZ2](/details-gene/51778)) and contractile ([MYH7](/details-gene/4625)) proteins is highly unusual for a quiescent fibroblast population. This suggests a specialized, muscle-like function that challenges the traditional view of these cells as primarily producers of extracellular matrix. * **Testable Questions:** Does conditional knockout of [MYH7](/details-gene/4625) or [TCAP](/details-gene/8557) specifically in cardiac fibroblasts lead to measurable changes in diastolic stiffness or systolic function in a murine model? Do these fibroblasts exhibit contractile responses to neurohormonal stimuli in vitro? 2. **Hypothesis:** Cardiac fibroblasts utilize a neuronal-like adhesion and signaling system, including the [NLGN1](/details-gene/22871)-[NRXN3](/details-gene/9369) axis, to act as signaling hubs that integrate inputs from the autonomic nervous system and relay them to cardiomyocytes, thereby modulating cardiac rhythm and function. * **Surprising Findings:** The identification of a classic synaptic adhesion complex ([NLGN1](/details-gene/22871), [NRXN3](/details-gene/9369)) as highly specific to cardiac fibroblasts is unexpected and points to a previously unappreciated role in neuro-cardiac communication beyond direct nerve-to-myocyte interaction. * **Testable Questions:** Can tripartite "synapse-like" structures involving nerve terminals, fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes be identified in cardiac tissue using high-resolution microscopy? Does selective disruption of [NLGN1](/details-gene/22871) in cardiac fibroblasts alter the heart rate variability or the incidence of arrhythmias in response to autonomic challenge?