Network and pathway-based analysis of candidate genes associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have made some headway in analyzing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) with respect to pathogenic factors, treatment methods, and prognosis. However, far less is known about the molecular mechanisms. Thus, a comprehensive analysis focusing on the biological function and interaction of EA genes would provide valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis of EA, which may provide new insights into gene function as well as potential therapy targets. METHODS: We selected 109 genes related to EA by reviewing 458 publications from the PubMed database. In addition, performing gene enrichment assays, pathway enrichment assays, pathway crosstalk analysis, and extraction of EA-specific subnetwork were used to describe the relevant biochemical processes. RESULTS: Function analysis revealed that biological processes and biochemical pathways associated with apoptotic and metabolic processes, a variety of cancers, and drug reaction pathways. Further, 12 novel genes (PTHLH, SUMO2, TYMS, APP, PTGIR, SP1, UBC, COL1A1, GSTO1, TRAF6, BMP7, and RAB40B) were identified in the EA-specific network, which might provide helpful information for clinical application. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, by integrating pathways and networks to explore the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying EA, our results could significantly improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of EA and form a basis for selection of potential molecular targets for further exploration.