Cell state · L2
SMC.contractile
2,852 cells in the full atlas (not the displayed sample).
These are the cell-population annotations shown in the SCREATE Cell Browser.
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Marker genes
ACTA2, CNN1, CSRP1, FILIP1L, LPP, MACF1, MYH11, PALLD, PDLIM3, PDLIM5, PPP1R12B, SLMAP, SORBS1, SORBS2, SVIL, SYNPO2, TPM1, TPM2
Annotation genes
ACTA2, CNN1, MYH11, TPM1, TPM2
Annotation rationales
MYH11, ACTA2, TPM1/2, and CNN1 encode the thick/thin filament and dense-body apparatus; PPP1R12B targets myosin phosphatase to regulate MLC phosphorylation. This is the hallmark mature vascular SMC machinery for Ca²⁺-dependent shortening and vessel caliber control.
Functional implications
Maintains basal vascular tone and dynamically adjusts resistance in response to neurotransmitters and endothelial NO/prostacyclin; damps pulse pressure, preserves organ perfusion, and prevents aneurysmal wall stress by sustaining ECM–cytoskeleton coupling and low-turnover homeostasis.
Marker and functional descriptions are atlas annotations. Explore gene expression, trait associations and regulatory elements in the interactive browsers; see the browser guide.