Details for: CXCL12

Gene ID: 6387

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: CXCL12

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000107562

Description: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

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

  • skin fibroblast CL0002620
    CSI 36.18
    rCSI 31.19%
    PRS 95.98
  • pulmonary artery endothelial cell CL1001568
    CSI 23.57
    rCSI 32.07%
    PRS 97.82
  • enteric smooth muscle cell CL0002504
    CSI 17.99
    rCSI 25.68%
    PRS 96.38
  • endothelial cell of artery CL1000413
    CSI 16.15
    rCSI 23.67%
    PRS 96.52
  • stromal cell CL0000499
    CSI 14.36
    rCSI 40.39%
    PRS 94.17
  • alveolar type 1 fibroblast cell CL4028004
    CSI 14.27
    rCSI 15.63%
    PRS 97.15
  • microcirculation associated smooth muscle cell CL0008035
    CSI 14.21
    rCSI 41.14%
    PRS 95.78
  • mesodermal cell CL0000222
    CSI 12.89
    rCSI 15.47%
    PRS 96.27
  • bronchus fibroblast of lung CL2000093
    CSI 11.72
    rCSI 9.52%
    PRS 96.11
  • mesangial cell CL0000650
    CSI 10.96
    rCSI 44.69%
    PRS 98.17
  • blood vessel endothelial cell CL0000071
    CSI 10.47
    rCSI 21.71%
    PRS 95.26
  • Kupffer cell CL0000091
    CSI 10.44
    rCSI 23.88%
    PRS 96.79
  • pancreatic acinar cell CL0002064
    CSI 9.78
    rCSI 13%
    PRS 97.09
  • myofibroblast cell CL0000186
    CSI 9.3
    rCSI 12.88%
    PRS 94.41
  • pericyte CL0000669
    CSI 9.19
    rCSI 24.48%
    PRS 77.82
  • keratocyte CL0002363
    CSI 9.17
    rCSI 22.04%
    PRS 96.42
  • fibroblast of lung CL0002553
    CSI 9.09
    rCSI 8.46%
    PRS 97.18
  • alveolar adventitial fibroblast CL4028006
    CSI 9.08
    rCSI 14.34%
    PRS 97.02
  • peripheral nervous system neuron CL2000032
    CSI 9.01
    rCSI 12.27%
    PRS 92.49
  • interstitial cell of Cajal CL0002088
    CSI 8.87
    rCSI 11.3%
    PRS 97.98
  • kidney loop of Henle thin ascending limb epithelial cell CL1001107
    CSI 8.42
    rCSI 21.76%
    PRS 94.77
  • tracheobronchial smooth muscle cell CL0019019
    CSI 8.26
    rCSI 14.57%
    PRS 97.46
  • mesenchymal cell CL0008019
    CSI 8.25
    rCSI 20.95%
    PRS 94.2
  • fibroblast of cardiac tissue CL0002548
    CSI 7.78
    rCSI 37.26%
    PRS 96.81
  • cerebral cortex endothelial cell CL1001602
    CSI 7.53
    rCSI 13.02%
    PRS 93.56
  • vascular associated smooth muscle cell CL0000359
    CSI 7.27
    rCSI 23.59%
    PRS 95.63
  • type EC enteroendocrine cell CL0000577
    CSI 6.96
    rCSI 24.7%
    PRS 95.92
  • kidney interstitial alternatively activated macrophage CL1000695
    CSI 6.89
    rCSI 17.96%
    PRS 97.26
  • renal interstitial pericyte CL1001318
    CSI 6.56
    rCSI 18.09%
    PRS 95.21
  • fibroblast of breast CL4006000
    CSI 6.21
    rCSI 26.09%
    PRS 97.36
  • cardiac endothelial cell CL0010008
    CSI 6.06
    rCSI 24.46%
    PRS 96.47
  • hepatic stellate cell CL0000632
    CSI 6.05
    rCSI 22.66%
    PRS 94.38
  • myeloid leukocyte CL0000766
    CSI 6.04
    rCSI 5.57%
    PRS 97.15
  • progenitor cell CL0011026
    CSI 5.74
    rCSI 12.2%
    PRS 92.1
  • mononuclear phagocyte CL0000113
    CSI 5.68
    rCSI 12.49%
    PRS 97.55
  • epithelial cell of proximal tubule CL0002306
    CSI 5.33
    rCSI 13.02%
    PRS 91.79
  • retinal blood vessel endothelial cell CL0002585
    CSI 5.28
    rCSI 8.43%
    PRS 97.28
  • glial cell CL0000125
    CSI 5.12
    rCSI 19.5%
    PRS 91.96
  • perivascular cell CL4033054
    CSI 4.87
    rCSI 6.65%
    PRS 97.8
  • adventitial cell CL0002503
    CSI 4.7
    rCSI 11.23%
    PRS 97.45
  • Schwann cell CL0002573
    CSI 4.62
    rCSI 13.12%
    PRS 94.03
  • alternatively activated macrophage CL0000890
    CSI 4.6
    rCSI 5.78%
    PRS 98.75
  • forebrain radial glial cell CL0013000
    CSI 4.5
    rCSI 14.44%
    PRS 96.04
  • pancreatic stellate cell CL0002410
    CSI 4.14
    rCSI 24.08%
    PRS 96.66
  • adipocyte CL0000136
    CSI 3.37
    rCSI 4.33%
    PRS 91.25
  • mesenchymal stem cell of adipose tissue CL0002570
    CSI 3.37
    rCSI 18.78%
    PRS 96.97
  • mesenchymal stem cell CL0000134
    CSI 3.19
    rCSI 34.95%
    PRS 97.32
  • vein endothelial cell of respiratory system CL4033008
    CSI 3.18
    rCSI 21.84%
    PRS 97.53
  • colon macrophage CL0009038
    CSI 3.1
    rCSI 14.31%
    PRS 98.95
  • neural crest cell CL0011012
    CSI 2.83
    rCSI 2.24%
    PRS 93.08
  • kidney loop of Henle thin descending limb epithelial cell CL1001111
    CSI 2.83
    rCSI 4%
    PRS 95
  • endothelial cell of uterus CL0009095
    CSI 2.59
    rCSI 18.93%
    PRS 98.5
  • chondrocyte CL0000138
    CSI 2.4
    rCSI 3.82%
    PRS 93.49
  • endothelial cell of vascular tree CL0002139
    CSI 2.37
    rCSI 12.97%
    PRS 93.11
  • tendon cell CL0000388
    CSI 2.31
    rCSI 6%
    PRS 97.36
  • neural progenitor cell CL0011020
    CSI 2.16
    rCSI 9.5%
    PRS 88.33
  • stromal cell of ovary CL0002132
    CSI 2.12
    rCSI 5.82%
    PRS 97.39
  • mesenchymal lymphangioblast CL0005021
    CSI 2.08
    rCSI 54.62%
    PRS 97.65
  • kidney loop of Henle thick ascending limb epithelial cell CL1001106
    CSI 1.89
    rCSI 16.36%
    PRS 92.43
  • kidney interstitial cell CL1000500
    CSI 1.54
    rCSI 25.26%
    PRS 97.66
  • collagen secreting cell CL0000667
    CSI 1.49
    rCSI 8.56%
    PRS 97.11
  • blood vessel smooth muscle cell CL0019018
    CSI 1.35
    rCSI 10.98%
    PRS 95.48
  • cardiac blood vessel endothelial cell CL0010006
    CSI 1.35
    rCSI 9.52%
    PRS 92.23
  • vasa recta descending limb cell CL1001285
    CSI 1.12
    rCSI 8.94%
    PRS 97.82
  • podocyte CL0000653
    CSI 0.8
    rCSI 3.55%
    PRS 95.95

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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Comma-separated if multiple.

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 [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387), also known as Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 (SDF-1), is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10q11.21. It functions as a member of the C-X-C motif chemokine family, playing a central role in cell trafficking, immune response, and developmental processes. As a potent chemoattractant, it mediates its effects primarily through the G protein-coupled receptor CXCR4. **Overall**, expression data reveals that [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) is most significantly expressed in mesenchymal-derived cell types, particularly `[skin fibroblast](/details-cell/CL0002620)`, `[pulmonary artery endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL1001568)`, and `[stromal cell](/details-cell/CL0000499)`. This expression pattern underscores its fundamental role in establishing tissue architecture, regulating hematopoietic cell homing, and guiding angiogenesis. Its clinical relevance is highlighted by its association with immunodeficiency syndromes ([600835](https://omim.org/entry/600835)) and its well-documented involvement in HIV entry and cancer metastasis. ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) strongly indicates its function as a key signaling molecule within the tissue microenvironment, particularly driven by structural and vascular cells. **Overall**, the gene's significance is highest in cells of mesenchymal origin, establishing it as a foundational component of the stromal and vascular compartments. Its top significance score is observed in `[skin fibroblast](/details-cell/CL0002620)` (CSI: 36.18), with similarly high scores in other fibroblast subtypes like `[alveolar type 1 fibroblast cell](/details-cell/CL4028004)` and `[bronchus fibroblast of lung](/details-cell/CL2000093)`. This suggests that fibroblasts are a primary source of the [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) chemokine gradient that directs cell migration during tissue homeostasis, wound healing, and inflammation. Furthermore, [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) is highly significant in various endothelial cells, including `[pulmonary artery endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL1001568)`, `[endothelial cell of artery](/details-cell/CL1000413)`, and `[blood vessel endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000071)`. This pattern is consistent with its established role in angiogenesis and the recruitment of circulating progenitor cells to sites of vascular development or repair. The gene's importance extends to related perivascular cells, such as `[enteric smooth muscle cell](/details-cell/CL0002504)` and `[pericyte](/details-cell/CL0000669)`, reinforcing its integral role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the vasculature. The collective expression by these cell types creates a chemokine field essential for orchestrating complex biological processes, including lymphocyte trafficking and hematopoietic stem cell homing. ## Pathways and Molecular Function The functional annotations for [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) confirm its identity as a canonical chemokine operating through G protein-coupled receptor signaling to control cell movement and behavior. Its primary molecular function is defined by `[Chemokine activity](/details-gene/GO:0008009)` and its specific binding to chemokine receptors ([`Chemokine receptor binding`](/details-gene/GO:0042379)), particularly CXCR family receptors as specified by `[Cxcr chemokine receptor binding](/details-gene/GO:0045236)`. This interaction initiates the `[Cxcl12-activated cxcr4 signaling pathway](/details-gene/GO:0038160)`, a critical cascade involved in numerous biological processes. Reactome pathway analysis corroborates this, placing [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) within the `[Chemokine receptors bind chemokines](/details-pathway/R-HSA-380108)` and `[Signaling by gpcr](/details-pathway/R-HSA-372790)` superpathways. The downstream consequences of [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) signaling are pleiotropic, impacting `[Chemotaxis](/details-gene/GO:0006935)`, `[Positive regulation of cell migration](/details-gene/GO:0030335)`, and `[Cell adhesion](/details-gene/GO:0007155)`. These core functions are essential for its roles in both development and immunity. During development, [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) is a key factor in `[Nervous system development](/details-pathway/R-HSA-9675108)`, specifically in processes like `[Axon guidance](/details-pathway/R-HSA-422475)` and `[Neuron migration](/details-gene/GO:0001764)`. In the context of immunity, it is crucial for `[T cell chemotaxis](/details-gene/GO:0010818)` and the broader `[Immune response](/details-gene/GO:0006955)`, guiding leukocytes to lymphoid organs and sites of inflammation. One publication identified [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) (as SDF-1) as the ligand for CXCR4 (then called LESTR/fusin), which acts as a co-receptor for T-cell-line-adapted HIV-1 entry, directly linking this signaling axis to viral pathogenesis ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1038/382833a0)). ## Research Directions The constitutive and high-level expression of [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) in stromal and endothelial cells positions it as a master regulator of the cellular microenvironment in health and disease. Its dysregulation is implicated in chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer metastasis, making it a subject of intense research interest. Based on its cellular expression and functional roles, several testable hypotheses can be proposed: 1. Given its high significance in diverse fibroblast populations (`[skin fibroblast](/details-cell/CL0002620)`, `[alveolar type 1 fibroblast cell](/details-cell/CL4028004)`), fibroblast-secreted [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) likely establishes tissue-specific chemotactic gradients that are essential for defining immune cell niches. The heterogeneity of these gradients may dictate the distinct compositions of resident immune cells across different organs. 2. The prominent expression of [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) in vascular cells (`[pulmonary artery endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL1001568)`, `[pericyte](/details-cell/CL0000669)`) suggests its signaling axis is a critical checkpoint for vascular maturation and integrity. Pathological conditions like diabetic retinopathy or solid tumor growth may co-opt this axis to promote aberrant angiogenesis. To test the first hypothesis regarding the role of fibroblast-derived [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) in creating immune niches, a compelling experiment would involve spatial transcriptomics combined with functional assays. One could generate organotypic 3D co-cultures using primary human fibroblasts (both wild-type and [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387)-knockout via CRISPR-Cas9) and a mix of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Using multiplexed imaging or spatial RNA sequencing, one could map the precise location of T cell subsets, B cells, and monocytes relative to the fibroblasts. A significant disruption in the organized clustering of specific lymphocyte populations around the knockout fibroblasts, compared to wild-type, would provide direct evidence for its role in structuring immune niches. Therapeutically, the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis is a well-validated target. Given its role in driving cell migration, the primary strategy is **inhibition**. Small molecule inhibitors, such as AMD3100 (Plerixafor) ([Link](https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0198-072)), which block the CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction, are already in clinical use to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells. In oncology, such inhibitors hold promise for preventing the metastasis of CXCR4-expressing tumor cells to organs rich in [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387), such as the lungs, liver, and bone marrow. However, the widespread expression of [CXCL12](/details-gene/6387) in healthy tissues presents a major challenge, as systemic inhibition could lead to significant off-target effects. Future therapeutic development may require strategies for targeted drug delivery to the tumor microenvironment or the development of inhibitors that selectively disrupt pathological, but not physiological, signaling.

Genular Protein ID: 3026661682

Symbol: SDF1_HUMAN

Name: Stromal cell-derived factor 1

UniProtKB Accession Codes:

Database IDs:

Citations:

PubMed ID: 7490086

Title: Structure and chromosomal localization of the human stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) gene.

PubMed ID: 7490086

DOI: 10.1006/geno.1995.1180

PubMed ID: 16626895

Title: Identification and expression of novel isoforms of human stromal cell-derived factor 1.

PubMed ID: 16626895

DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.02.001

PubMed ID: 14702039

Title: Complete sequencing and characterization of 21,243 full-length human cDNAs.

PubMed ID: 14702039

DOI: 10.1038/ng1285

PubMed ID: 16344560

Title: Diversification of transcriptional modulation: large-scale identification and characterization of putative alternative promoters of human genes.

PubMed ID: 16344560

DOI: 10.1101/gr.4039406

PubMed ID: 15164054

Title: The DNA sequence and comparative analysis of human chromosome 10.

PubMed ID: 15164054

DOI: 10.1038/nature02462

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

PubMed ID: 8752281

Title: The CXC chemokine SDF-1 is the ligand for LESTR/fusin and prevents infection by T-cell-line-adapted HIV-1.

PubMed ID: 8752281

DOI: 10.1038/382833a0

PubMed ID: 9427609

Title: AMD3100, a small molecule inhibitor of HIV-1 entry via the CXCR4 co-receptor.

PubMed ID: 9427609

DOI: 10.1038/nm0198-072

PubMed ID: 10446158

Title: Stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha associates with heparan sulfates through the first beta-strand of the chemokine.

PubMed ID: 10446158

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.34.23916

PubMed ID: 11069075

Title: Characterization of a Xenopus laevis CXC chemokine receptor 4: implications for hematopoietic cell development in the vertebrate embryo.

PubMed ID: 11069075

DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200010)30:10<2924::aid-immu2924>3.0.co;2-y

PubMed ID: 11859124

Title: Xenopus laevis stromal cell-derived factor 1: conservation of structure and function during vertebrate development.

PubMed ID: 11859124

DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.168.5.2340

PubMed ID: 14525775

Title: Differential processing of stromal-derived factor-1alpha and beta explains functional diversity.

PubMed ID: 14525775

DOI: 10.1182/blood-2003-08-2857

PubMed ID: 16107333

Title: The chemokine SDF-1/CXCL12 binds to and signals through the orphan receptor RDC1 in T lymphocytes.

PubMed ID: 16107333

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m508234200

PubMed ID: 15741341

Title: The monomer-dimer equilibrium of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL 12) is altered by pH, phosphate, sulfate, and heparin.

PubMed ID: 15741341

DOI: 10.1110/ps.041219505

PubMed ID: 16725153

Title: Recognition of a CXCR4 sulfotyrosine by the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha/CXCL12).

PubMed ID: 16725153

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.04.052

PubMed ID: 18802065

Title: Monocyte migration and LFA-1-mediated attachment to brain microvascular endothelia is regulated by SDF-1 alpha through Lyn kinase.

PubMed ID: 18802065

DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.7.4632

PubMed ID: 19255243

Title: AMD3100 is a CXCR7 ligand with allosteric agonist properties.

PubMed ID: 19255243

DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.053389

PubMed ID: 21802105

Title: Role for the conserved N-terminal cysteines in the anti-chemokine activities by the chemokine-like protein MC148R1 encoded by Molluscum contagiosum virus.

PubMed ID: 21802105

DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2011.07.001

PubMed ID: 22457824

Title: Ubiquitination of CXCR7 controls receptor trafficking.

PubMed ID: 22457824

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034192

PubMed ID: 27044744

Title: The Anti-inflammatory Protein TSG-6 Regulates Chemokine Function by Inhibiting Chemokine/Glycosaminoglycan Interactions.

PubMed ID: 27044744

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.720953

PubMed ID: 29301984

Title: Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12) activates integrins by direct binding to an allosteric ligand-binding site (site 2) of integrins without CXCR4.

PubMed ID: 29301984

DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170867

PubMed ID: 9384579

Title: Solution structure and basis for functional activity of stromal cell-derived factor-1; dissociation of CXCR4 activation from binding and inhibition of HIV-1.

PubMed ID: 9384579

DOI: 10.1093/emboj/16.23.6996

PubMed ID: 9618518

Title: Crystal structure of chemically synthesized [N33A] stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha, a potent ligand for the HIV-1 'fusin' coreceptor.

PubMed ID: 9618518

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.95.12.6941

PubMed ID: 10954912

Title: Crystal structure of recombinant native SDF-1alpha with additional mutagenesis studies: an attempt at a more comprehensive interpretation of accumulated structure-activity relationship data.

PubMed ID: 10954912

DOI: 10.1089/10799900050116390

PubMed ID: 15588815

Title: Mapping the binding of the N-terminal extracellular tail of the CXCR4 receptor to stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha.

PubMed ID: 15588815

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2004.11.003

PubMed ID: 17264079

Title: Structural and functional basis of CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha) binding to heparin.

PubMed ID: 17264079

DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m608796200

PubMed ID: 17357154

Title: Crystal structure of recombinant human stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha.

PubMed ID: 17357154

DOI: 10.1002/prot.21350

PubMed ID: 18799424

Title: Structural basis of CXCR4 sulfotyrosine recognition by the chemokine SDF-1/CXCL12.

PubMed ID: 18799424

DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.1160755

PubMed ID: 19551879

Title: Monomeric structure of the cardioprotective chemokine SDF-1/CXCL12.

PubMed ID: 19551879

DOI: 10.1002/pro.167

PubMed ID: 20077567

Title: Heterologous quaternary structure of CXCL12 and its relationship to the CC chemokine family.

PubMed ID: 20077567

DOI: 10.1002/prot.22666

Sequence Information:

  • Length: 93
  • Mass: 10666
  • Checksum: 505B5A29C2B44E8D
  • Sequence:
  • MNAKVVVVLV LVLTALCLSD GKPVSLSYRC PCRFFESHVA RANVKHLKIL NTPNCALQIV 
    ARLKNNNRQV CIDPKLKWIQ EYLEKALNKR FKM