The minor salivary gland cell type enriched transcriptomeThe minor salivary glands are numerous small glands dispersed throughout the oral cavity and upper aerodigestive tract. There are approximately 800-1000 of these minor salivary glands, each typically 1-2 mm in diameter, located in the submucosa of the oral mucosa, including the buccal, labial, and lingual areas, as well as the soft and hard palate. Unlike the much larger major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual), they are not encapsulated by connective tissue. While the minor salivary glands primarily produce mucous secretions, which play important roles in lubricating the oral cavity and aiding in various functions such as swallowing and speech, they also contribute to a smaller degree to the serous salivary secretions, which contain some digestive enzymes. ​ 2258 genes were predicted to have cell type specificity in the minor salivary gland. ​ Minor salivary gland cell type enriched transcriptome: SummaryGenes with predicted cell type specificity within minor salivary gland are detailed in Table 1. Identified genes are subdivided into 3 specificity categories, based on the difference between the enrichment score in the corresponding cell type, compared to the other cell types profiled in the tissue (see Methods Summary page for details):
Minor salivary gland cell type enriched transcriptome: Illustrative examplesSalivary glandular cellsSalivary glandular cells produce mucin-rich secretions that help lubricate the oral cavity, protect the oral mucosa, and aid in swallowing and speech. They can also secrete proteins with antimicrobial properties, such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, contributing to the protective functions of saliva in the oral cavity. Genes enriched in the salivary glandular cells include Aquaporin 5 (AQP5), a water channel protein, Lactoperoxidase (LPO), a protein with antimicrobial properties, Zymogen Granule Protein 16B (ZG16B), a protein predicted to enable carbohydrate binding activity and WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 1 (WIPI1), a protein that can regulate the assembly of multiprotein complexes.
Salivary gland ductal cellsSalivary duct cells play a crucial role in modifying the composition of saliva as it passes through the ductal system. These cells actively reabsorb sodium and secrete potassium, helping to regulate the final electrolyte content of saliva before it enters the oral cavity. Genes classified as having specificity in the cells of the salivary ducts include the enzymes ATPase H+ transporting V1 subunit B1 (ATP6V1B1), Hydroxysteroid 11-Beta Dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2) and Oxoglutarate Dehydrogenase L (OGDHL), and the protease inhibitor WAP Four-Disulfide Core Domain 2 (WFDC2).
Salivary gland basal cellsBasal cells in the minor salivary glands are stem-like cells located at the base of the glandular epithelium. They serve as progenitor cells, capable of differentiating into other cell types to maintain and repair the gland's tissue. Basal cells are crucial for the regeneration and maintenance of the salivary glands and ductal cells. Enriched genes within the basal cells include Keratin 5 (KRT5), S100 calcium-binding protein A2 (S100A2), which is involved in cell cycle regulation, and Laminin Subunit Beta 3 (LAMB3), a component of the basement membrane.
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