Genes expected to be absent, or expressed at a notably low level, in these cells, and whose absence supports the assignment of this cell annotation.
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Rationale
PDGFRA and DCN (decorin) are general ASPC/stromal markers broadly expressed across adipose stromal and progenitor cell populations. EPHA3 (ephrin type-A receptor 3) is the defining marker of this subpopulation, distinguishing EPHA3⁺ ASPCs from other ASPC subtypes. This population resembles an adipogenesis-regulatory cell population previously reported in mice. Together these markers identify a distinct ASPC subpopulation within the broader stromal compartment.
