PLCE1 and inflammatory response: Since PLCE1 and PRKCA were increased in esophageal inflammation (esophagitis and Barrett's Esophagus), we then determined whether PLCE1 was linked to esophageal inflammation, we analyzed mouse esophageal mucosa isolated from the PLCE1 gene knockout mouse models (PLCE1−/−) provided by Dr. Alan Smrcka from University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) [29].