Proteolytic Fibroblast State
Gene co-expression module in Fibroblasts
| Category | ECM remodeling |
|---|---|
| Genes | 12 |
| Annotation certainty | 4 of 5 |
| Annotation consistency | 8 of 12 genes have a known function matching the annotation |
Why this annotation
CTSK (cathepsin K) is a lysosomal cysteine protease that degrades collagen and other ECM components, upregulated in activated fibroblasts. S100A10, S100A6, and S100A16 are calcium-binding S100 proteins associated with fibroblast activation, inflammation, and plasminogen receptor function. ANXA2 (annexin A2) forms a complex with S100A10 on the cell surface facilitating plasmin generation and ECM degradation. THY1 (CD90) is a canonical fibroblast surface marker. LGALS3 (galectin-3) mediates cell-ECM adhesion and inflammatory signaling. PCOLCE enhances procollagen processing. This module represents an activated fibroblast state with proteolytic ECM remodeling capacity, consistent with the high expression and broad detection rate.
Genes
ANXA2, CTSK, EMP3, LGALS3, MPZL1, PCOLCE, ROBO1, S100A10, S100A16, S100A6, SH3BGRL3, THY1
Most correlated modules
- Rho GTPase Cytoskeletal · correlation 0.90
- Complement-secreting Fibroblast · correlation 0.89
- Stromal Fibroblast Activation · correlation 0.86
- ECM Homeostasis · correlation 0.81
- OSM Cytokine Response · correlation 0.76
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.