Abstract
BACKGROUND: Endometriosis (EMs), characterized by ectopic endometrial growth causing infertility. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is an important cellular defense mechanism. However, the correlation between ERS and EMs remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between them, identify biomarkers, and offer new insights into the treatment of EMs. METHODS: Two RNA expression datasets (GSE120103 and GSE25628) related to EMs in Homo sapiens were used to identify ERS-differentially expressed genes (ERS-DEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and CytoHubba (Cytoscape) identified ERS-associated HUB genes, with receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) evaluating diagnostic value. Constructed mRNA-microRNA (miRNA)/RNA-transcription factor (TF) interaction networks and performed ssGSEA to compare immune infiltration between EMs patients and controls. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to assess potential biomarker levels. RESULTS: Thirty-three ERS-DEGs were identified, with nine HUB genes (HSPA5, XBP1, HSP90B1, DNAJC3, PDIA3, PDIA6, PDIA4, HERPUD1, and MANF) demonstrating diagnostic efficacy (AUC > 0.7). Furthermore, immune infiltration revealed a significant relationship between immune cell abundance and HUB gene expression. Experimental validation confirmed the consistency of four biomarkers (HSPA5, HSP90B1, PDIA6, and HERPUD1). Regulatory network analysis identified 62 miRNAs and 44 TFs interacting with HUB genes, suggesting a multifactorial immunometabolic axis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified four biomarkers (HSPA5, HSP90B1, PDIA6, and HERPUD1) associated with ERS that offer new insights into the detection and treatment of EMs. Our findings indicate an abnormal response to ERS and immune system infiltration contribute to the progression of EMs.