Cdx1 and c-Myc foster the initiation of transdifferentiation of the normal esophageal squamous epithelium toward Barrett's esophagus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition whereby the normal stratified squamous esophageal epithelium undergoes a transdifferentiation program resulting in a simple columnar epithelium reminiscent of the small intestine. These changes are typically associated with the stratified squamous epithelium chronically exposed to acid and bile salts as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Despite this well-defined epidemiologic association between acid reflux and Barrett's esophagus, the genetic changes that induce this transdifferentiation process in esophageal keratinocytes have remained undefined.

Methodology/principal findings

To begin to identify the genetic changes responsible for transdifferentiaiton in Barrett's esophagus, we performed a micro

SUBMITTER: Stairs DB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2568822 | biostudies-literature | 2008

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature