Fibrotic ECM Remodeling
Gene co-expression module in Pericytes
| Category | ECM remodeling |
|---|---|
| Genes | 11 |
| Annotation certainty | 4 of 5 |
| Annotation consistency | 11 of 11 genes have a known function matching the annotation |
Why this annotation
The hub genes of M65 point strongly to an ECM remodeling and fibrotic activation program. MMP11 (matrix metalloproteinase 11) is a secreted protease that remodels the extracellular matrix and is upregulated in fibrotic and inflammatory contexts. LAMC3 encodes laminin gamma-3, a basement membrane component. BGN (biglycan) is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and TGF-beta signaling. PLOD2 encodes lysyl hydroxylase 2, which crosslinks collagen and is a canonical marker of fibroblast/pericyte activation and fibrosis. SNAI2 (Slug) is a transcription factor associated with EMT and mesenchymal activation. LGALS3BP is a galectin-3 binding protein involved in ECM interactions and inflammation. CYGB (cytoglobin) is expressed in activated stellate/pericyte-like cells and is associated with fibrotic responses. LPL (lipoprotein lipase) is expressed in pericytes and mural cells. PCDH18 is a protocadherin involved in cell-cell adhesion. NREP is a neuronal regeneration-related protein also expressed in activated stromal cells. The strong upregulation in UC and CD inflammation with reversal upon treatment/remission is consistent with an inflammation-driven fibrotic/ECM remodeling program in intestinal pericytes. This module is a topological neighbor of M60 (pericyte identity), and together they likely represent complementary aspects of pericyte biology: baseline identity (M60) and activated/remodeling state (M65).
Genes
BGN, CYGB, LAMC3, LGALS3BP, LPL, MMP11, NREP, PCDH18, PLOD2, SNAI2, SPATS2L
Most correlated modules
- Fibrotic ECM Remodeling · correlation 0.89
- BM Collagen Production · correlation 0.89
- Fibrillar Collagen Production · correlation 0.84
- Pericyte Identity · correlation 0.83
- Basement Membrane Assembly · correlation 0.82
- Pericyte Inflammatory Activation · correlation 0.78
- Pericyte Vascular Tone · correlation 0.77
- Basement Membrane Remodeling · correlation 0.72
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.