Details for: AMY1B

Gene ID: 277

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: AMY1B

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000174876

Description: amylase alpha 1B

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

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

  • basal cell of epidermis CL0002187
    CSI 2.59
    rCSI 4.59%
    PRS 88.9
  • melanocyte of skin CL1000458
    CSI 1.27
    rCSI 1.73%
    PRS 90.27

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

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  • Node Size: Proportional to Target Cell CSI magnitude
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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 [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) is a protein-coding gene that encodes for alpha-amylase 1B, an enzyme critical for the initial digestion of starch and glycogen. Functionally, it is characterized by its [alpha-amylase activity](/details-link/GO:0004556) and involvement in the [carbohydrate metabolic process](/details-link/GO:0005975). While classically known for its function in saliva and the digestive tract, expression data suggests a significant and specific role within the skin. **Overall**, [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) shows its highest significance in epidermal cells, particularly the [basal cell of epidermis](/details-cell/CL0002187) and the [melanocyte of skin](/details-cell/CL1000458), indicating a potentially specialized function in skin homeostasis and metabolism. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) points towards a notable role in the integumentary system. * **Epidermal Cells:** The gene's most significant expression is observed in the [basal cell of epidermis](/details-cell/CL0002187) (CSI: 2.59), the proliferative layer of the skin responsible for renewing the epidermis. It is also significantly expressed in the [melanocyte of skin](/details-cell/CL1000458) (CSI: 1.27), the pigment-producing cells of the epidermis. This strong, localized expression signature suggests that beyond its systemic role in digestion, [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) may be involved in specific metabolic processes required to support the high energy demands of cellular proliferation and function within the skin microenvironment. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The functional annotations for [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) are consistent with its identity as a key enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism. It is a central component of the [Digestion of dietary carbohydrate](/details-link/R-HSA-189085) and the broader [Digestion and absorption](/details-link/R-HSA-8963743) pathways. Its molecular functions include [alpha-amylase activity](/details-link/GO:0004556), which enables the hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds in starches and glycogen. The gene product is also annotated with [calcium ion binding](/details-link/GO:0005509) and [chloride ion binding](/details-link/GO:0031404), which are essential for its catalytic activity and stability. While these functions are well-understood in the context of digestion, their specific implications in epidermal cells, where the gene is also highly active, remain an area for further investigation. It is plausible that [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) provides a local source of glucose by breaking down stored glycogen within skin cells. ## Research Directions The significant expression of a digestive enzyme like [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) in epidermal cells presents an intriguing area for future research, suggesting non-canonical roles for this protein in skin biology. **Proposed Hypotheses:** 1. [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) in the [basal cell of epidermis](/details-cell/CL0002187) supports the high energetic demands of keratinocyte proliferation by locally catabolizing intracellular glycogen stores, providing a rapid source of glucose for cell division and differentiation. 2. Secreted [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) in the epidermis may contribute to the skin's innate immune barrier by degrading polysaccharides present in the cell walls of colonizing bacteria, a function analogous to its role in saliva. **Suggested Experimental Approach:** To test the hypothesis that [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) is critical for epidermal proliferation, a robust experimental model would be necessary. One could utilize 3D human skin organoid cultures derived from primary keratinocytes. Using shRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 to achieve stable knockdown of [AMY1B](/details-gene/277), one could then assess multiple endpoints. The rate of proliferation could be quantified via Ki-67 and EdU incorporation assays. Metabolic changes could be measured by assessing intracellular glycogen levels (Periodic acid-Schiff staining) and glucose uptake. This approach would directly link [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) expression to the metabolic fitness and proliferative capacity of the epidermis. **Therapeutic Potential:** Given its high expression in the proliferative basal layer of the epidermis, [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) could represent a novel therapeutic target in hyperproliferative skin disorders such as psoriasis or certain types of skin cancer. If its enzymatic activity is proven to be a key driver of pathological cell division, the development of specific, topically applied small-molecule inhibitors could offer a targeted approach to reduce epidermal turnover. Therefore, **inhibition** of [AMY1B](/details-gene/277) activity, rather than its activation, would likely be the primary therapeutic strategy in such conditions.