Details for: EXOC3L2

Gene ID: 90332

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: EXOC3L2

Ensembl ID: ENSG00000283632

Description: exocyst complex component 3 like 2

Selected Context(s):  Overall

Cell Significance Landscape

Contexts:

Associated with

Significant Cells

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

  • blood vessel endothelial cell CL0000071
    CSI 3
    rCSI 6.22%
    PRS 98.81
  • vein endothelial cell of respiratory system CL4033008
    CSI 0.7
    rCSI 4.82%
    PRS 99.43

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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    • High
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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 [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) (Exocyst Complex Component 3 Like 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19q13.32. As its name suggests, it is a component of the exocyst, a multiprotein complex essential for tethering secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. Its primary annotated function is related to the process of [exocytosis](/details-cell/GO:0006887). Expression data indicates a highly significant role for [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) within the vasculature, with its most prominent expression observed in [blood vessel endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000071). ## Cellular Roles and Expression Landscape The expression profile of [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) suggests a specialized function within the endothelial lineage. **Overall**, the gene shows its highest significance as a marker for [blood vessel endothelial cell](/details-cell/CL0000071) (CSI: 3.00), indicating its expression is a defining feature of this cell type. This is further supported by its notable, though lower, significance in a specific subset, the [vein endothelial cell of respiratory system](/details-cell/CL4033008) (CSI: 0.70). This strong and specific expression pattern points towards a crucial role for [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) in fundamental endothelial cell functions, which are heavily reliant on regulated secretion and membrane trafficking. ## Pathways and Molecular Function Functionally, [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) is annotated as a structural component of the [exocyst](/details-cell/GO:0000145), a key molecular machine in the final stages of [exocytosis](/details-cell/GO:0006887). This pathway is responsible for the transport and fusion of vesicles with the cell membrane, enabling the secretion of molecules and the delivery of membrane proteins to the cell surface. The gene's molecular function includes [protein binding](/details-cell/GO:0005515), which is consistent with its role as part of a large octameric complex. This molecular machinery is critical for processes in endothelial cells such as the secretion of von Willebrand factor, the release of angiogenic factors, and the surface expression of cell adhesion molecules required for immune cell trafficking. ## Research Directions The specific and high expression of [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) in endothelial cells, coupled with its role in the exocyst complex, presents several intriguing avenues for future investigation. **Testable Hypotheses:** 1. **[EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) is a critical regulator of angiogenesis.** By controlling the exocytosis of vesicles containing pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF) or matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), it may directly influence the ability of endothelial cells to sprout and form new blood vessels. 2. **The gene is involved in modulating vascular inflammation.** [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) may mediate the trafficking of P-selectin-containing Weibel-Palade bodies to the endothelial surface, a critical early step in leukocyte tethering and extravasation during an inflammatory response. **Proposed Experiment:** To test the hypothesis that [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) regulates angiogenesis, an *in vitro* study could be conducted. Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) would be treated with siRNA or a CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock down or knock out [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) expression. These modified cells, alongside control cells, would then be subjected to a matrigel tube formation assay. A significant reduction in the ability of [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332)-deficient cells to form capillary-like structures would support its pro-angiogenic role. The supernatant could also be analyzed via ELISA to quantify any change in the secretion of key factors like VEGF. **Therapeutic Potential:** Given its potential role in angiogenesis, [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) emerges as a possible therapeutic target. In oncology, where tumor growth is dependent on new blood vessel formation, **inhibition** of [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) could represent a novel anti-angiogenic strategy to disrupt tumor blood supply. Conversely, in ischemic diseases such as peripheral artery disease or myocardial infarction, **activation** or targeted delivery of [EXOC3L2](/details-gene/90332) could potentially promote therapeutic revascularization. Its specificity to the exocyst complex suggests that targeting it could offer a precise mechanism to modulate endothelial secretion, although further research is required to understand potential off-target effects.