Fibroblast-like Activation
Gene co-expression module in Smooth muscle cells
| Category | Activation |
|---|---|
| Genes | 8 |
| Annotation certainty | 3 of 5 |
| Annotation consistency | 7 of 8 genes have a known function matching the annotation |
Why this annotation
PDPN, CTSK, EFEMP1, ANGPTL2 and PDLIM4 are hallmark markers of activated/CAF-like fibroblasts and synthetic mural cells; PTK7 (planar cell polarity co-receptor) and LMO3 add a de-differentiated mesenchymal flavor. Expression is low and uniform across subsets (no single foreign lineage dominates), arguing for a low-level activation state / partial fibroblast-like phenotype rather than outright fibroblast contamination. Its neighbors M42 (proteolysis) and M35 (matricellular) support an activated matrix-remodeling neighborhood.
Genes
ANGPTL2, CTSK, EFEMP1, LMO3, MICALL2, PDLIM4, PDPN, PTK7
Most correlated modules
- Basement Membrane Matrix · correlation 0.81
- Mesenchymal Adhesion Program · correlation 0.77
- Pericellular Proteolysis · correlation 0.77
- SMC Contractile Signaling · correlation 0.76
- Netrin Guidance Signaling · correlation 0.70
- BMP-antagonist Niche · correlation 0.66
Module annotations were drafted by a large language model from the module's genes, then reviewed and approved by a domain expert. See sources & licences.