Details for: CEL

Gene ID: 1056

Gene Type:  Protein-coding  - A gene that serves as a template for producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which is then translated into a functional protein.

Symbol: CEL

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000170835

Description: carboxyl ester lipase

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores for the chosen context(s)

  • pancreatic acinar cell CL0002064
    CSI 9.38
    rCSI 12.47%
    PRS 99.35
  • ciliated epithelial cell CL0000067
    CSI 8.14
    rCSI 7.16%
    PRS 98.35
  • ionocyte CL0005006
    CSI 5.28
    rCSI 5.66%
    PRS 99.53
  • pulmonary ionocyte CL0017000
    CSI 4.41
    rCSI 5.37%
    PRS 99.56
  • epithelial cell CL0000066
    CSI 4.01
    rCSI 6.17%
    PRS 97.56
  • intestinal epithelial cell CL0002563
    CSI 3.01
    rCSI 3.15%
    PRS 99.36
  • intestinal crypt stem cell of small intestine CL0009017
    CSI 2.39
    rCSI 6.45%
    PRS 99.8
  • pancreatic ductal cell CL0002079
    CSI 1.92
    rCSI 3.72%
    PRS 99.42
  • type B pancreatic cell CL0000169
    CSI 1.74
    rCSI 3.86%
    PRS 99.27
  • pancreatic stellate cell CL0002410
    CSI 0.79
    rCSI 4.6%
    PRS 99.35

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this specific cell.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.

Cell ID: Standard Cell Ontology term used for mapping and comparing cells across experiments. Ensures consistency in analyzing cellular functions across tissues.
Fold Change: Represents the ratio of the current Cell Significance Index to the Cell Significance Index Threshold, indicating how much the gene expression has changed compared to a baseline.
Cell Significance Index: Reflects how strongly a gene is expressed in this cell type. Calculated using techniques like effect size estimation and bootstrapping for reliability.
Network Configuration

Explore relationships of the current gene. Select an Interaction Source: 'ONTOLOGY' for shared pathways (GO/Reactome) or 'STRING' for protein-protein interactions. Further refine by selecting context genes and comparing Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores between baseline and target cell types and their specific contexts.

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Legend:
  • Query Gene
  • Node Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
    • Very High
    • High
    • Medium
    • Low
    • Very Low
    • CSI N/A
  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
  • STRING PPI Edge
  • Shared Pathway Edge (ONTOLOGY)

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Other Information

This section provides additional information about the gene, including a description generated by an AI language model and details about associated proteins.

## Summary [CEL](/details-gene/1056), or Carboxyl Ester Lipase, is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9q34.13 that encodes a key digestive enzyme. This lipase is primarily involved in the hydrolysis of various dietary lipids, including cholesterol esters, triglycerides, and vitamin esters. Functionally, it is central to processes such as '[Intestinal cholesterol absorption](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0030299)' and the overall '[Digestion of dietary lipid](https://reactome.org/content/detail/R-HSA-192456)'. Its expression profile is dominated by high significance in secretory cells of the digestive system, most notably the [pancreatic acinar cell](/details-cell/CL0002064), underscoring its role as a secreted enzyme essential for lipid metabolism. The gene is also associated with Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young, type 8 (OMIM: [114840](https://omim.org/entry/114840)), highlighting its importance in pancreatic function beyond simple digestion. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression landscape of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) firmly establishes it as a specialized gene for digestive and secretory epithelial tissues. **Overall**, its most significant expression is observed in the [pancreatic acinar cell](/details-cell/CL0002064) (CSI: 9.38), the primary source of digestive enzymes secreted into the duodenum. This is consistent with its role as a major component of pancreatic juice. Beyond the pancreas, [CEL](/details-gene/1056) shows high significance in other specialized epithelial cells, including [ciliated epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000067) (CSI: 8.14) and [ionocyte](/details-cell/CL0005006) (CSI: 5.28), including [pulmonary ionocyte](/details-cell/CL0017000) (CSI: 4.41). This pattern suggests a potential, less-characterized function in lipid metabolism or signaling at other mucosal surfaces outside the gastrointestinal tract, such as the airways. Expression is also notable within the intestinal tract itself, in cells like the [intestinal epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0002563) (CSI: 3.01) and [intestinal crypt stem cell of small intestine](/details-cell/CL0009017) (CSI: 2.39), which aligns with its function in the final stages of lipid absorption. While its highest expression is in acinar cells, its presence in other pancreatic cell types, including [pancreatic ductal cell](/details-cell/CL0002079) and [type B pancreatic cell](/details-cell/CL0000169), suggests a broader role in pancreatic biology. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The molecular functions and pathway involvements of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) are tightly linked to its role as a digestive hydrolase. As an extracellular enzyme, confirmed by its annotation in the '[Extracellular space](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0005615)', it is a central player in the Reactome pathway '[Digestion of dietary lipid](https://reactome.org/content/detail/R-HSA-192456)'. Its catalytic activity is broad, with key molecular functions including '[Triacylglycerol lipase activity](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0004806)', '[Sterol ester esterase activity](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0004771)', and '[Retinyl-palmitate esterase activity](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0050253)'. This functional diversity enables the breakdown of a wide range of lipids necessary for absorption. The gene product's involvement in the '[Pancreatic juice secretion](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0030157)' biological process is directly supported by its high expression in [pancreatic acinar cell](/details-cell/CL0002064). Furthermore, its role extends to retinol (Vitamin A) metabolism, as shown by its involvement in '[Retinol metabolic process](https://www.ebi.ac.uk/QuickGO/term/GO:0042572)', highlighting its importance in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. An oncofetal isoform of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) has also been cloned and characterized, suggesting potential roles in developmental or pathological contexts ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.273.43.28208)). ## Research Directions The expression of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) in non-canonical cell types, such as those in the lung, alongside its known roles in pathology, opens several avenues for future investigation. ### Testable Hypotheses 1. **Hypothesis 1:** The high significance of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) in [pulmonary ionocyte](/details-cell/CL0017000)s and [ciliated epithelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000067)s suggests a localized role in airway surface lipid management. [CEL](/details-gene/1056) may be involved in the breakdown of lipid components within the airway surface liquid or in the processing of pulmonary surfactant, thereby maintaining respiratory surface integrity. 2. **Hypothesis 2:** Given its expression in [type B pancreatic cell](/details-cell/CL0000169) and its genetic association with MODY (OMIM: [114840](https://omim.org/entry/114840)), dysregulation or pathogenic variants of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) may directly impair beta-cell function by causing intracellular accumulation of toxic lipid species, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reduced insulin secretion. ### Proposed Experiment To test **Hypothesis 1**, one could utilize an *in vitro* air-liquid interface (ALI) culture of primary human bronchial epithelial cells, which differentiates to form a pseudostratified epithelium containing both ciliated and ionocyte-like cells. [CEL](/details-gene/1056) expression would be silenced using CRISPR-Cas9 or shRNA. The secretome from the apical surface would then be collected and analyzed using mass spectrometry-based lipidomics to quantify changes in cholesterol esters, triglycerides, and other lipid species. Functional assays, such as measuring ciliary beat frequency and epithelial barrier integrity, could be performed to assess the physiological consequences of [CEL](/details-gene/1056) depletion in the airway. ### Therapeutic Potential As a secreted enzyme, [CEL](/details-gene/1056) is a potentially accessible therapeutic target. For diseases caused by [CEL](/details-gene/1056) deficiency, enzyme replacement therapy could be a viable strategy. Conversely, in pathological conditions where its activity may be detrimental, such as in certain forms of pancreatitis or cancers expressing the oncofetal isoform ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.273.43.28208)), targeted **inhibition** using small molecules or neutralizing antibodies could be beneficial. However, systemic inhibition would likely lead to severe lipid malabsorption, suggesting that any inhibitory therapeutic would need to be highly targeted to the site of disease to minimize off-target effects on digestion.

Genular Protein ID: 328110702

Symbol: O75612_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 9774442

Title: Molecular cloning of the oncofetal isoform of the human pancreatic bile salt-dependent lipase.

PubMed ID: 9774442

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.43.28208

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 612
  • Mass: 66363
  • Checksum: A5E9092D19390B26
  • Sequence:
  • AKLGAVYTEG GFVEGVNKKL GLLGDSVDIF KGIPFAAPTK ALENPQPHPG WQGTLKAKNF 
    KKRCLQATIT QDSTYGDEDC LYLNIWVPQG RKQVSRDLPV MIWIYGGAFL MGSGHGANFL 
    NNYLYDGEEI ATRGNVIVVT FNYRVGPLGF LSTGDANLPG NYGLRDQHMA IAWVKRNIAA 
    FGGDPNNITL FGESAGGASV SLQTLSPYNK GLIRRAISQS GVALSPWVIQ KNPLFWAKKV 
    AEKVGCPVGD AARMAQCLKV TDPRALTLAY KVPLAGLEYP MLHYVGFVPV IDGDFIPADP 
    INLYANAADI DYIAGTNNMD GHIFASIDMP AINKGNKKVT EEDFYKLVSE FTITKGLRGA 
    KTTFDVYTES WAQDPSQENK KKTVVDFETD VLFLVPTEIA LAQHRANAKS AKTYAYLFSH 
    PSRMPVYPKW VGADHADDIQ YVFGKPFATP TGYRPQDRTV SKAMIAYWTN FAKTGDPNMG 
    DSAVPTHWEP YTTENSGYLE ITKKMGSSSM KRSLRTNFLR YWTLTYLALP TVTDQEATPV 
    PPTGDSEATP VPPTGDSETA PVPPTGDSGA PPVPPTGDSG APPVPPTGDS EAAPVPPTGD 
    SKEAQMPAVI RF

Genular Protein ID: 1383753183

Symbol: B4DSX9_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 521
  • Mass: 55909
  • Checksum: 9AA18B4E89656285
  • Sequence:
  • MIWIYGGAFL MGSGHGANFL NNYLYDGEEI ATRGNVIVVT FNYRVGPLGF LSTGDANLPG 
    NYGLRDQHMA IAWVKRNIAA FGGDPNNITL FGESAGGASV SLQTLSPYNK GLIRRAISQS 
    GVALSPWVIQ KNPLFWAKKV AEKVGCPVGD AARMAQCLKV TDPRALTLAY KVPLAGLEYP 
    MLHYVGFVPV IDGDFIPADP INLYANAADI DYIAGTNNMD GHIFASIDMP AINKGNKKVT 
    EEDFYKLVSE FTITKGLRGA KTTFDVYTES WAQDPSQENK KKTVVDFETD VLFLVPTEIA 
    LAQHRANAKS AKTYAYLFSH PSRMPVYPKW VGADHADDIQ YVFGKPFATP TGYRPQDRTV 
    SKAMIAYWTN FAKTGDPNMG DSAVPTHWEP YTTENSGYLE ITKKMGSSSM KRSLRTNFLR 
    YWTLTYLALP TVTDQEATPV PPTGDSEATP VPPTGDSETA PVPPTGDSGA PPVPPTGDSG 
    APPVPPTGDS GAPPVPPTGD SGAPPVPPTG DSGAPPRAAH G

Genular Protein ID: 3670956093

Symbol: Q86SR3_HUMAN

Name: N/A

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 15489334

Title: The status, quality, and expansion of the NIH full-length cDNA project: the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC).

PubMed ID: 15489334

DOI: 10.1101/gr.2596504

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 722
  • Mass: 76610
  • Checksum: 8AA686E4CF02928B
  • Sequence:
  • MLTMGRLQLV VLGLTCCWAV ASAAKLGAVY TEGGFVEGVN KKLGLLGDSV DIFKGIPFAA 
    PTKALENPQP HPGWQGTLKA KNFKKRCLQA TITQDSTYGD EDCLYLNIWV PQGRKQVSRD 
    LPVMIWIYGG AFLMGSGHGA NFLNNYLYDG EEIATRGNVI VVTFNYRVGP LGFLSTGDAN 
    LPGNYGLRDQ HMAIAWVKRN IAAFGGDPNN ITLFGESAGG ASVSLQTLSP YNKGLIRRAI 
    SQSGVALSPW VIQKNPLFWA KKVAEKVGCP VGDAARMAQC LKVTDPRALT LAYKVPLAGL 
    EYPMLHYVGF VPVIDGDFIP ADPINLYANA ADIDYIAGTN NMDGHIFASI DMPAINKGNK 
    KVTEDFYKLV SEFTITKGLR GAKTTFDVYT ESWAQDPSQE NKKKTVVDFE TDVLFLVPTE 
    IALAQHRANA KSAKTYAYLF SHPSRMPVYP KWVGADHADD IQYVFGKPFA TPTGYRPQDR 
    TVSKAMIAYW TNFAKTGDPN MGDSAVPTHW EPYTTENSGY LEITKKMGSS SMKRSLRTNF 
    LRYWTLTYLA LPTVTDQEAT PVPPTGDSEA TPVPPTGDSE TAPVPPTGDS GAPPVPPTGD 
    SGAPPVPPTG DSGAPPVPPT GDSGAPPVPP TGDSGAPPVP PTGDAGPPPV PPTGDSGAPP 
    VPPTGDSGAP PVTPTGDSET APVPPTGDSG APPVPPTGDS EAAPVPPTDD SKEAQMPAVI 
    RF