BMP-SMAD Signaling
Gene co-expression module in Pericytes
| Category | Developmental |
|---|---|
| Genes | 12 |
| Annotation certainty | 4 of 5 |
| Annotation consistency | 8 of 12 genes have a known function matching the annotation |
Why this annotation
Top hub gene SMAD1 is the canonical transcriptional effector of BMP signaling. NDST1 encodes heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase, which modifies heparan sulfate proteoglycans to create binding sites for BMP and FGF morphogens — directly linking ECM modification to BMP gradient regulation. SEMA6A (semaphorin 6A) participates in vascular patterning downstream of BMP. ETS2 is a transcription factor activated by BMP/MAPK in vascular cells. PDE2A regulates cGMP/cAMP balance in vascular tone. MCF2L (Rho GEF) and SMAGP contribute to cytoskeletal responses. SCARB1 mediates lipid uptake. The module is significantly downregulated in inflammation and strongly restored in remission, consistent with a homeostatic BMP-driven pericyte program.
Genes
CTSH, ETS2, EXOC3L2, IL3RA, ITM2A, MCF2L, NDST1, PDE2A, SCARB1, SEMA6A, SMAD1, SMAGP
Most correlated modules
- Vascular Permeability · correlation 0.98
- Pericyte Contractile Tone · correlation 0.98
- Angiogenic Receptor Signaling · correlation 0.98
- Rho GTPase Signaling · correlation 0.97
- Basement Membrane Maintenance · correlation 0.96
- Vascular Pericyte Identity · correlation 0.96
- YAP/TAZ Mechanosensing · correlation 0.95
- MHC-II Antigen Presentation · correlation 0.95
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.