Details for: CL0002601

Cell ID: CL0002601

Cell Name: uterine smooth muscle cell

Description: A smooth muscle cell of the uterus.

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 uterine smooth muscle cell 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 uterine smooth muscle cell. 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 uterine smooth muscle cell. 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 uterine smooth muscle cell. 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:  uterine smooth muscle cell (CL0002601)

 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 A [uterine smooth muscle cell](/details-cell/CL0002601) is a specialized contractile cell type that constitutes the myometrium of the uterus. The gene significance profile suggests its core identity is defined by a robust expression of cytoskeletal and contractile proteins, such as [TAGLN](/details-gene/6876) and [MYL9](/details-gene/10398). Beyond its primary role in mechanical functions like peristalsis and parturition, this cell type appears to be deeply involved in sculpting the extracellular matrix, modulating local growth factor signaling, and participating in immune surveillance, as indicated by the high expression specificity of [B2M](/details-gene/567), the top-ranked marker. ## Key Characteristics and Function The functional identity of the [uterine smooth muscle cell](/details-cell/CL0002601) is underscored by several clusters of specifically expressed genes. * **Contractile and Cytoskeletal Machinery:** A prominent group of top markers underpins the cell's fundamental contractile function. These include [TAGLN](/details-gene/6876), an actin-binding protein and an early marker of smooth muscle differentiation, alongside key components of the myosin motor complex like [MYL9](/details-gene/10398) and [MYL6](/details-gene/4637) (myosin light chains) and their regulator, [MYLK](/details-gene/4638) (myosin light chain kinase). The high specificity of these genes confirms their central role in the calcium-dependent force generation required for uterine function. * **Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Remodeling:** These cells are actively engaged in the synthesis and organization of the uterine ECM. This is evidenced by the specific expression of collagen genes ([COL6A2](/details-gene/1292), [COL3A1](/details-gene/1281)) and matricellular proteins that modulate cell-matrix interactions, including [SPARCL1](/details-gene/8404), [SPARC](/details-gene/6678), and [MGP](/details-gene/4256). This function is critical for the extensive tissue remodeling that occurs during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and postpartum involution. * **Regulation of Growth and Metabolism:** The data suggest a role in regulating tissue growth and homeostasis. The specific expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins [IGFBP7](/details-gene/3490) and [IGFBP4](/details-gene/3487) indicates that these cells modulate the bioavailability of IGF, a key pathway in myometrial hypertrophy. Furthermore, the high rank of [SAT1](/details-gene/6303), an enzyme in polyamine metabolism, points to a high anabolic capacity necessary for cell growth and proliferation. * **Immune and Housekeeping Functions:** The most specific marker, [B2M](/details-gene/567), is an essential subunit of MHC class I molecules. Its high Z-score suggests that [uterine smooth muscle cells](/details-cell/CL0002601) have a pronounced and unique capacity for presenting endogenous antigens, likely contributing to immune surveillance within the uterine wall. The profile is further defined by genes involved in fundamental cellular processes, such as RNA processing ([DDX5](/details-gene/1655)) and iron homeostasis ([FTH1](/details-gene/2495), [FTL](/details-gene/2512]), reflecting the cell's metabolic activity. * **Anti-Markers:** The low significance scores for immediate early genes such as [JUN](/details-gene/3725) and [FOS](/details-gene/2353) may indicate that the cells in the analyzed samples were in a relatively stable, non-proliferative state. The low specificity of [CALM1](/details-gene/801) is notable given the importance of calcium signaling; this suggests that while calmodulin is essential, its expression is not uniquely high in these cells compared to others, a distinction captured by the Z-score methodology. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles **Overall**, the gene profile of [uterine smooth muscle cells](/details-cell/CL0002601) highlights pathways directly relevant to uterine health and disease. * **Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas):** Many of the top marker genes are implicated in the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids. Dysregulation of cytoskeletal proteins like [TAGLN](/details-gene/6876), excessive ECM deposition involving collagens like [COL3A1](/details-gene/1281), and overactive growth signaling through the IGF pathway ([IGFBP7](/details-gene/3490), [IGFBP4](/details-gene/3487)) are all established features of these benign tumors. * **Pregnancy and Labor:** The contractile apparatus ([MYL9](/details-gene/10398), [MYLK](/details-gene/4638)) is central to the process of labor. The cell's ability to remodel the ECM ([SPARC](/details-gene/6678)) is crucial for accommodating a growing fetus and for the rapid involution of the uterus postpartum. * **Immuno-maternal Interface:** The prominent role of [B2M](/details-gene/567) suggests these cells are not immunologically passive. Their antigen presentation capability may be vital for maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance, clearing senescent cells, or mounting defenses against intrauterine infections, which can be a cause of preterm labor. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis: Uterine smooth muscle cells act as non-professional antigen-presenting cells to maintain myometrial immune homeostasis.** * **Surprising Findings:** It is highly unusual for [B2M](/details-gene/567), a component of the ubiquitous MHC class I complex, to emerge as the top *specificity* marker for a structural cell type. This suggests its expression level is exceptionally high and distinct in [uterine smooth muscle cells](/details-cell/CL0002601) compared to all other surrounding cells, implying a specialized immune-related function beyond simple self-recognition. * **Testable Questions:** Can primary [uterine smooth muscle cells](/details-cell/CL0002601) process and present viral or tumor-associated peptide antigens to activate cytotoxic [CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cells](/details-cell/CL0000625) in a co-culture system? 2. **Hypothesis: Uterine smooth muscle cells orchestrate local tissue plasticity through a complex secretome that coordinates ECM dynamics and growth factor signaling.** * **Surprising Findings:** The co-expression of multiple, functionally distinct modulators of the microenvironment, including matricellular proteins ([SPARC](/details-gene/6678), [SPARCL1](/details-gene/8404)) and several IGF binding proteins ([IGFBP7](/details-gene/3490), [IGFBP4](/details-gene/3487)), suggests these cells are not just responding to signals but are actively directing tissue behavior. This points to a sophisticated regulatory role in balancing tissue integrity with the flexibility required for uterine cycles and pregnancy. * **Testable Questions:** Does the secretome profile of [uterine smooth muscle cells](/details-cell/CL0002601) change significantly in response to hormonal stimuli like estrogen and progesterone, and how does this conditioned media affect the behavior of uterine fibroblasts and endothelial cells *in vitro*?