miR-193 expression differentiates telocytes from other stromal cells

Telocytes (TCs) are a particular type of interstitial (stromal) cells defined by very long, moniliform telopodes. Their tissue location, between blood vessels and other cells such as cardiomyocytes (CMC) and neurons, suggests a role in intercellular signalling. In order to define a microRNA (miR) signature in cardiac TCs, we have found that miR-193 is differentially expressed between TCs and other interstitial cells. Because miR-193 regulates c-kit, our data support the previous finding that TCs express c-kit in certain circumstances. In addition, the miRs which are specific to CMC and other muscle cells (e.g. miR-133a, miR-208a) are absent in TCs. Overall the data reinforce the view that TCs are a particular type of interstitial (mesenchymal) cells.