DCN (decorin) is a stromal/fibroblast marker broadly expressed in connective tissue. TENM2 (teneurin-2) is a transmembrane protein involved in neural circuit organization and cell-cell signaling. SLC22A3 is an organic cation transporter with enriched expression in specific stromal subpopulations. ITGA6 (integrin alpha-6) marks cells associated with basement membrane adhesion and has been found enriched in fibroblasts surrounding peripheral nerves in tendon and muscle, suggesting a perineural identity. Together, these markers characterize a stromal/ASPC subpopulation with perineural localization, here referred to as TENM2⁺ ASPCs.
