Epithelial expression of Gata4 and Sox2 regulates specification of the squamous-columnar junction via MAPK/ERK signaling in mice.

ABSTRACT: The squamous-columnar junction (SCJ) is a boundary consisting of precisely positioned transitional epithelium between the squamous and columnar epithelium. Transitional epithelium is a hotspot for precancerous lesions, and is therefore clinically important; however, the origins and physiological properties of transitional epithelium have not been fully elucidated. Here, by using mouse genetics, lineage tracing, and organoid culture, we examine the development of the SCJ in the mouse stomach, and thus define the unique features of transitional epithelium. We find that two transcription factors, encoded by Sox2 and Gata4, specify primitive transitional epithelium into squamous and columnar epithelium. The proximal-distal segregation of Sox2 and Gata4 expression establishes the boundary of th

SUBMITTER: Sankoda N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7835245 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature