ECM Homeostasis
Gene co-expression module in Fibroblasts
| Category | ECM remodeling |
|---|---|
| Genes | 9 |
| Annotation certainty | 3 of 5 |
| Annotation consistency | 6 of 9 genes have a known function matching the annotation |
Why this annotation
TIMP2 is a canonical inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, central to ECM homeostasis. MXRA7 (matrix remodeling associated 7) participates in ECM organization. PPIC (cyclophilin C) is involved in protein folding and collagen processing. CAVIN3 is a caveolae-associated protein linked to membrane-ECM interactions. TUBB (beta-tubulin) and CAST (calpastatin, calpain inhibitor) suggest cytoskeletal/proteostasis roles. FAM114A1 has been linked to fibroblast identity. Core coherence and moderate-high expression suggest a constitutive stromal maintenance program. Mild but significant inflammation increase is consistent with baseline ECM homeostasis being modestly perturbed.
Genes
CAST, CAVIN3, FAM114A1, HCFC1R1, MXRA7, PPIC, SELENOW, TIMP2, TUBB
Most correlated modules
- Notch Fibroblast Activation · correlation 0.83
- Proteolytic Fibroblast State · correlation 0.81
- Translation Initiation · correlation 0.80
- Wnt-Niche Fibroblast · correlation 0.79
- TGF-beta Fibroblast Niche · correlation 0.78
- Complement-secreting Fibroblast · correlation 0.77
- Stromal Fibroblast Activation · correlation 0.75
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.