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A bibliometric analysis of post-translational modifications in esophageal cancer based on the Web of Science Core
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Background:
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapeutic options. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play critical regulatory roles in EC carcinogenesis, progression, and therapy resistance. However, current EC PTM research remains fragmented across different modification types and molecular targets, hindering a systematic understanding of research trajectories and knowledge gaps. To date, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has quantitatively mapped the global landscape of EC PTM research. This study aims to systematically characterize the publication trends, geographic distribution, research hotspots, and unaddressed areas in EC PTM research over the past 26 years, and identify promising prognostic candidate genes for future preclinical investigation.
Methods:
We retrieved EC PTM articles from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) [2000-2026] using a Boolean query. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Bibliometric analyses used R/Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Abstract-level genes and PTMs were categorized and cross-referenced with the PTMD database; The Cancer Genome Atlas-Esophageal Carcinoma (TCGA-ESCA) data identified unstudied genes with differential expression and prognostic significance.
Results:
Of 1,963 articles identified, output followed three phases: nascent growth [2000-2011], expansion [2012-2019], and maturation [2020-2026]. China contributed 69.7% of publications. Methylation (405 genes) and phosphorylation (326 genes) dominated, while glycosylation and sulfation were underrepresented. STAT3 was the most studied gene. We identified 1,776 unstudied PTM-related genes, of which 11 showed both differential expression and prognostic significance, enriched in nucleosome assembly and immune response pathways.
Conclusions:
This study maps EC PTM research quantitatively. Methylation-based liquid biopsies and STAT3 inhibitors are translatable advances, yet knowledge siloes persist for multi-PTM crosstalk and underexplored modifications. The 11 candidate genes provide a concrete preclinical pipeline. Diversified research, CRISPR validation, and international consortia are needed to ensure clinical impact across diverse populations.
Insights
This bibliometric analysis maps esophageal cancer (EC) post-translational modification (PTM) research, revealing methylation and phosphorylation as key areas. It identifies 11 novel prognostic genes for EC, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Esophageal cancer (EC) is a lethal malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial in EC development, progression, and treatment resistance.
- Existing EC PTM research is fragmented, lacking a systematic overview and identification of knowledge gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively map the global research landscape of EC PTMs over 26 years (2000-2026).
- To analyze publication trends, geographic distribution, research hotspots, and under-researched areas in EC PTM.
- To identify potential prognostic candidate genes for future EC research.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of 1,963 EC PTM articles from Web of Science Core Collection (2000-2026).
- Data analysis using R/Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.
- Cross-referencing PTMs and genes with PTMD and TCGA-ESCA databases to identify novel candidates.
Main Results:
- Research followed three phases: nascent growth (2000-2011), expansion (2012-2019), and maturation (2020-2026).
- China led publications (69.7%). Methylation and phosphorylation were dominant PTMs, while glycosylation and sulfation were underrepresented.
- STAT3 was the most studied gene; 11 unstudied PTM-related genes showed differential expression and prognostic significance.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a quantitative overview of EC PTM research, highlighting advances in methylation-based liquid biopsies and STAT3 inhibitors.
- Knowledge gaps persist regarding multi-PTM crosstalk and under-explored modifications.
- The 11 identified candidate genes offer a preclinical research pipeline; diversified research and international collaboration are crucial for clinical impact.
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