Cell state · L2
MESO.baseline
466 cells in the full atlas (not the displayed sample).
These are the cell-population annotations shown in the SCREATE Cell Browser.
Read trait, study and gene evidence reports for this population →
Explore this population in Cell Browser →
Marker genes
ITLN1, KRT18, KRT19, KRT8, LRRN4, MSLN, MUC16, PDPN, UPK3B, WT1
Annotation genes
KRT8, MSLN, PDPN, WT1
Annotation rationales
Canonical mesothelial identity: cytokeratin KRT8/18/19 intermediate filaments define a simple epithelium; lineage TF WT1 and glycoproteins MSLN/MUC16 mark mesothelial specialization; PDPN supports apical glycocalyx and lymph/immune crosstalk; UPK3B contributes to membrane rigidity; ITLN1 (omentin-1) is enriched in visceral mesothelium. This profile matches quiescent epicardium and adipose serosa providing a slippery, anti-adhesive barrier and paracrine signaling hub.
Functional implications
Heart: sustain a low-friction, WT1⁺ epicardial barrier that secretes trophic morphogens (e.g., RA/WNT modulators) to support coronary homeostasis and immune quiescence; PDPN aids lymphatic drainage around the heart. Adipose: maintain serosal integrity over depots, secrete ITLN1 to modulate insulin sensitivity and macrophage tone, and prevent fibrous adhesions to adjacent organs.
Marker and functional descriptions are atlas annotations. Explore gene expression, trait associations and regulatory elements in the interactive browsers; see the browser guide.