GLA is associated with ESCC progression and chemotherapy response via DNA damage repair–related pathways - Report - MDSpire

GLA is associated with ESCC progression and chemotherapy response via DNA damage repair–related pathways

  • By

  • Ke Chen

  • Qinsong Yang

  • Chen Fang

  • Weiran Zhang

  • Yu Feng

  • Haitao Ma

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: The Role of GLA in the Progression of ESCC

Overview

This study identifies α-Galactosidase A (GLA) as a significantly upregulated gene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with diagnostic relevance. GLA knockdown enhances chemosensitivity to gemcitabine and cisplatin.

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in regions like China. Chemoresistance remains a significant barrier to effective treatment.

Data Highlights

MethodFindings
GLA ExpressionSignificantly upregulated in ESCC across multiple datasets
Knockdown EffectsSuppressed proliferation, colony formation, and migration
ChemosensitivityIncreased sensitivity to gemcitabine and cisplatin with GLA knockdown
Combination TherapyMigalastat combined with chemotherapy enhanced cytotoxicity

Key Findings

  • GLA is upregulated in ESCC and associated with poor prognosis.
  • High GLA expression correlates with DNA damage repair and chemoresistance.
  • GLA knockdown significantly reduces cell proliferation and migration in ESCC cell lines.
  • Combining Migalastat with gemcitabine or cisplatin shows synergistic effects.
  • GLA serves as a potential diagnostic marker for ESCC.

Clinical Implications

Further investigation into GLA's role in ESCC is warranted.

Conclusion

GLA is a novel oncogenic factor in ESCC, influencing tumor progression and response to chemotherapy.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Iqbal et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2019 -- Treatment of Advanced Esophagogastric Cancer According to ERCC1 Expression
  2. Wu et al., ASCO Post, 2013 -- Intercalated Chemotherapy/Erlotinib Improves Progression-free Survival in Advanced NSCLC
  3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- The survival impact of upfront or sequential chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
  4. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2025 -- Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update
  5. New England Journal of Medicine, 2011 -- Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal or Junctional Cancer
  6. Genome Medicine, 2025 -- DNA repair and the contribution to chemotherapy resistance
  7. Frontiers in Immunology — Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with immunotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
  8. Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  9. Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal or Junctional Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
  10. DNA repair and the contribution to chemotherapy resistance | Genome Medicine | Springer Nature Link

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