Cellular Genomic Maps Help Dissect Pathology in Human Skin Disease

Genomic signature maps of different cell types can aid in the interpretation of genomic data of specimens collected during disease states. We have defined “lineage-specific” genes, as well as “activation” genes, for cellular components of the skin: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, monocytes, T cells, immature, and mature dendritic cells (DCs). Re-analysis of a previously published gene set of psoriasis then provided a model for assessing the usefulness of these maps. We were able to ascribe over 90% of these genes to specific cell types, and there was a surprisingly large contribution from DCs. This shows the utility of such cellular gene maps.