Details for: SCART1

Gene ID: 619207

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: SCART1

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000214279

Description: scavenger receptor family member expressed on T cells 1

Cell Significance Landscape

Associated with

Significant Cells

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

  • group 3 innate lymphoid cell CL0001071
    CSI 5.55
    rCSI 4.17%
    PRS 99.76
  • pvalb GABAergic cortical interneuron CL4023018
    CSI 2.73
    rCSI 3.4%
    PRS 99.17
  • group 2 innate lymphoid cell CL0001069
    CSI 0.82
    rCSI 4.45%
    PRS 99.77

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 Color (Target Cell CSI, relative to current network):
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    • 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 [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) (Scavenger Receptor Family Member Expressed on T cells 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10. While its name suggests a role in T cells, expression data indicate it is a highly significant marker for specific subsets of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Its annotation for involvement in T cell mediated immunity and its localization to the plasma membrane are consistent with a function as a cell-surface receptor in the immune system. Intriguingly, it also shows significant expression in a specific type of cortical interneuron, suggesting a potential, uncharacterized role in the central nervous system. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) points to a specialized function within the innate immune system and, unexpectedly, the nervous system. **Overall**, the gene demonstrates the highest significance in immune cell populations, particularly [group 3 innate lymphoid cell](/details-cell/CL0001071) (CSI: 5.55) and [group 2 innate lymphoid cell](/details-cell/CL0001069) (CSI: 0.82). These cells are critical components of mucosal immunity and tissue homeostasis, suggesting that [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) may play a key role in pathogen sensing or immune surveillance at barrier surfaces. A notable and distinct expression pattern is observed in the central nervous system, specifically in [pvalb GABAergic cortical interneuron](/details-cell/CL4023018) (CSI: 2.73). This high significance in a neuronal subtype is unusual for a scavenger receptor primarily associated with immune function and suggests a potential moonlighting role for [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) in neuronal biology, such as synaptic regulation or debris clearance within the cortex. ## Pathways and Molecular Function Functional annotations provide insight into the molecular activities of [SCART1](/details-gene/619207). It is broadly categorized under [Biological_process](/details-cell/GO:0008150) and [Molecular_function](/details-cell/GO:0003674), with a specific annotation for involvement in '[T cell mediated immunity](/details-cell/GO:0002456)'. This, combined with its high expression in ILCs, which share developmental and functional pathways with T cells, suggests its participation in cell-mediated immune responses. Cellular component analysis localizes the [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) protein to the '[Plasma membrane](/details-cell/GO:0005886)', '[Cytoplasm](/details-cell/GO:0005737)', and '[Brush border](/details-cell/GO:0005903)'. Its presence on the plasma membrane and brush border is highly consistent with its proposed function as a scavenger receptor, positioned to interact with extracellular ligands and pathogens at the cell surface. ## Research Directions The dual-expression profile of [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) in both the immune and nervous systems opens up several avenues for future investigation. Its function remains poorly characterized, and understanding its role in these distinct cellular contexts is a priority. **Proposed Testable Hypotheses:** 1. **[SCART1](/details-gene/619207) functions as a pattern recognition receptor on innate lymphoid cells at mucosal surfaces, recognizing microbial components or danger signals to initiate an early immune response.** Its identity as a scavenger receptor and high expression in ILCs support this role in frontline defense. 2. **In Pvalb-positive cortical interneurons, [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) is involved in synaptic pruning or the clearance of metabolic byproducts, contributing to the maintenance of neuronal circuit homeostasis.** This hypothesis repurposes its scavenger function to a neuro-supportive role. **Key Experimental Approach:** To test the hypothesis regarding its neuronal function, a multi-step approach could be employed. First, confirm the specific expression of [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) protein in Pvalb interneurons in the mouse cortex using co-immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, a conditional knockout mouse model, deleting [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) specifically in Pvalb-expressing neurons, could be generated. Analysis of synaptic density via electron microscopy or array tomography and assessment of microglial phagocytic activity in the vicinity of these interneurons could reveal deficits in synaptic pruning or waste clearance, thereby elucidating its role in the brain. **Therapeutic Potential:** As a cell surface receptor, [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) is a potentially druggable target. Its high specificity for ILC subtypes could make it a target for modulating mucosal inflammation. For instance, in inflammatory bowel disease where ILCs are implicated, an inhibitory antibody against [SCART1](/details-gene/619207) could dampen the inflammatory response. Conversely, if its role in interneurons is found to be neuroprotective, agonistic molecules could be explored for treating neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory conditions. However, its dual expression profile presents a significant challenge, as systemic targeting could lead to unintended effects in either the immune or nervous system, necessitating the development of tissue-specific delivery strategies.