Fibroblast Niche Identity
Gene co-expression module in Fibroblasts
| Category | Developmental |
|---|---|
| Genes | 19 |
| Annotation certainty | 3 of 5 |
| Annotation consistency | 9 of 19 genes have a known function matching the annotation |
Why this annotation
Hub genes SOX6 (developmental TF), FGF9 (fibroblast growth factor niche signal), CNTFR (ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor), ALKAL2 (ALK ligand), CXCR4 (chemokine receptor), ENHO (adropin/energy homeostasis), and COL4A6 define a specialized fibroblast subtype identity program. The module is strongly suppressed during intestinal inflammation and restored in remission, consistent with a homeostatic fibroblast niche-signaling state. The combination of growth factor signaling (FGF9, ALKAL2, CNTFR), a chemokine receptor (CXCR4), and a developmental TF (SOX6) points to a specific fibroblast subpopulation involved in niche maintenance rather than a generic program.
Genes
ALKAL2, AMPD3, CHST1, CNTFR, COL4A6, CTTNBP2, CXCR4, DDHD1, EDAR, ENHO, FGF9, FRY, OBSCN, PTGDR2, RHOU, SAMD5, SNTB1, SOX6, VSTM2A
Most correlated modules
- ECM Glycan Remodeling · correlation 0.94
- Myofibroblast Subtype · correlation 0.94
- WNT-modulating Fibroblast · correlation 0.93
- Intestinal Fibroblast Identity · correlation 0.88
- Retinoid Stromal Quiescence · correlation 0.88
- Telocyte Identity Program · correlation 0.80
- Caveolae Mechanosensing · correlation 0.79
- Metabolic Homeostasis · correlation 0.77
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.