Table 1.
Common markers used to identify pericytes in the central nervous system of mice that also label other cell types.
| Marker | Cells Labeled | Main Function | Reference(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDGFRβ (platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta) |
Fibroblasts, SMCs, pericytes | Tyrosine kinase receptor | [14,41] |
| NG2 (CSPG4; chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4) |
OPCs, NSCs, SMCs, pericytes | Cell-membrane proteoglycan | [46] |
| CD13 (aminopeptidase N) |
Fibroblasts, SMCs, pericytes | Cell-membrane aminopeptidase | [14] |
| αSMA (actin, aortic smooth muscle) |
SMCs, myofibroblasts, pericytes | Cytoskeletal protein | [14] |
| Desmin | SMCs, pericytes | Intermediate filament | [14] |
| Rgs5 (regulator of G protein signaling 5) |
SMCs, pericytes | Regulator of G protein | [47] |
| CD146 (cell surface glycoprotein MUC18) |
SMCs, pericytes | Membrane proteins | [48] |
| SUR2 (sulfonylurea receptor 2) |
SMCs, pericytes | Potassium-channel | [47,49] |
| Kir6.1 (K+ channel pore-forming subunit) |
SMCs, fibroblasts, pericytes | Potassium-channel | [47,49] |
| NeuroTrace 500/525 (fluorescent Nissl dye/FluoroNissl Green) |
Pericytes | - | [50] |
| Vitronectin | SMCs, Pericytes | Complement-binding protein | [49,51] |
Note: NSCs, neural stem cells; OPCs, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells; SMCs, smooth muscle cells.