In vivo lineage tracing defines the role of acinar-to-ductal transdifferentiation in inflammatory ductal metaplasia.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Chronic injury results in regeneration of normal pancreatic tissue and formation of a metaplasia of ductal phenotype. Metaplastic ductal lesions are seen in pancreatitis as well as in specimens of pancreatic cancer and are thought to represent a condition with increased risk of neoplasia. Acinar-to-ductal transdifferentiation is thought to be the source of this metaplasia. This has been suggested for flat duct-like lesions called tubular complexes and for lesions exhibiting a mucinous metaplasia. However, available studies are based on interpretation of static data rather than on direct evidence. Transdifferentiation from acinar to ductal cells has never been confirmed in the adult pancreas.

Methods

Here, we use Cre-loxP-based genetic lineage tracing in viv

SUBMITTER: Strobel O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2254582 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature