We further identified key genes associated with this cell state including the secreted matrix protein TGFBI (BIG-H3) and the transcription factor ZEB1. Taken together, our findings suggest that these genes may operate as a TGFBI-ZEB1 signaling module to promote stemness by protecting against genetic stress, such as CIN. Here, TGFBI is linked to cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia.