GLI1-VENTX Expression Pattern as a Prognostic Value for Non-Metastatic Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cell signaling pathways are important in different biological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, as well as tumorigenesis. The complex interactions between genes and signaling pathways have a role in the progression and development of malignancies. Our aim in this study was to explore the concomitant expression of GLI1 and VENTX genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and evaluate its relevance with clinicopathological features. Levels of GLI1 and VENTX mRNA expression in 50 ESCC patients were compared to the correlated margin normal tissues using relative comparative RT-qPCR. A significant correlation between the mRNA expression of GLI1 and VENTX was observed in ESCC patients (P = 0.003, P $<0.05$ ). Expression of GLI1 was significantly increased in samples with high levels of VENTX mRNA expression. Moreover, a significant correlation between VENTX and GLI1 was detected in non-metastatic early tumors (stages I and II). The significant correlation between these genes in non-metastasized early tumors indicates the importance of GLI1 and VENTX concomitant expression as a value for early ESCCs. It may be extrapolated that VENTX through the BMP pathway activates the expression of GLI1 followed by aggressive phenotype in ESCC.