Pericyte Identity

Gene co-expression module in Pericytes

View this module in SCUBA

Why this annotation

The hub genes of M60 are strongly associated with canonical pericyte identity and vascular tone regulation. EDNRA encodes the endothelin receptor type A, a key regulator of vascular smooth muscle/pericyte contractility. ABCC9 encodes the SUR2 subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, a well-established pericyte marker. GJC1 encodes connexin 45, expressed in vascular mural cells for gap junction communication. LHFPL6 is a lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like gene expressed in pericytes. ARHGAP42 and ARHGEF17 are Rho GTPase regulators involved in cytoskeletal tension and vascular tone. MYO1B is a myosin motor protein. NCK2 is an adaptor involved in cytoskeletal signaling. SEMA5A and EGFLAM are involved in vascular guidance and adhesion. ECM2 is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein. Together, the module reflects a mature pericyte contractile/identity program. The upregulation in inflammation (UC and CD) and reversal with treatment/remission suggests this program is modulated during intestinal inflammation, possibly reflecting pericyte activation or loss of quiescence. The module is tightly coherent with all genes showing core membership and uniform expression across subsets, consistent with a bona fide pericyte program rather than contamination.

Genes

ABCC9, ARHGAP42, ARHGEF17, ECM2, EDNRA, EGFLAM, GJC1, LHFPL6, MYO1B, NCK2, SEMA5A

Most correlated modules

• Pericyte Identity Signaling · correlation 0.91
• BM Collagen Production · correlation 0.86
• Fibrotic ECM Remodeling · correlation 0.83
• Pericyte Vascular Tone · correlation 0.82
• Pericyte ECM Production · correlation 0.81
• Pericyte Inflammatory Activation · correlation 0.81
• Basement Membrane Assembly · correlation 0.79
• Fibrillar Collagen Production · correlation 0.79

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.