The core mast cell enriched transcriptome

Mast cells are a type of leucocyte responsible for inflammatory reactions, and have granules that contain a collection of pro-inflammatory substances, including histamine, heparin, chondroitin sulfate, peroxidase and platelet-activating factor, which are released upon detection of proinflammatory stimuli.

In this section we detail the predicted core mast cell transcriptome, highlighting genes classified as having predicted specificity in mast cells in multiple tissue types. Such genes could be useful general markers for mast cells across tissue beds, and are likely critical for mast cell specific functions. These genes are sub-divided into 3 categories, based on the number of tissues in which they were independently classified as mast cell enriched.

Mast cells were profiled in 5 of the tissues featured in the Tissue Cell section.

• 9 genes predicted as enriched in mast cells in 75-100 % tissues
• 13 genes predicted as enriched in mast cells in 50-75 % tissues
• 5 genes predicted as enriched in mast cells in 25-50 % tissues

Protein expression of genes enriched in mast cells across tissue types

Carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) is classified as having specificity to mast cells across multiple tissue beds. This preproprotein is processed to generate a mature protease released by mast cells. Expression of this gene may be elevated in human asthma patients.

CPA3 - Adipose subcutaneous
CPA3
CPA3 - Colon
CPA3
CPA3 - Lung
CPA3

Another gene classified as having specificity to mast cells across multiple tissue beds include KIT Proto-Oncogene, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase KIT, a cytokine receptor through which signaling plays role in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation.

KIT - Adipose subcutaneous
KIT
KIT - Lung
KIT

Genes with predicted specificity in mast cells in individual tissues

A summary table of all genes with predicted high enrichment in mast cells in profiled tissues is provided below. Identified genes are subdivided into 3 categories in each tissue, based on the difference between the enrichment score in mast cells, compared to the other cell types profiled (see Methods Summary page for details):

• Predicted specificity: ´Very high´ - Differential score vs. other profiled cell types within the tissue >0.35
• Predicted specificity: ´High´ - Differential score vs. other profiled cell types within the tissue >0.25
• Predicted specificity: ´Moderate´ - Differential score vs. other profiled cell types within the tissue >0.15

Table 1: Genes predicted to be enriched in mast cells by tissue type