Cdx genes, inflammation and the pathogenesis of Barrett's metaplasia.
Metaplasia is the conversion of one cell or tissue type to another and can predispose patients to neoplasia. Perhaps one of the best-known examples of metaplasia is Barrett's metaplasia (BM), a pathological condition in which the distal oesophageal epithelium switches from stratified squamous to intestinal-type columnar epithelium. BM predisposes to oesophageal adenocarcinoma and is the consequence of long-term acid bile reflux. The incidence of BM and oesophageal adenocarcinoma has risen dramatically in recent years. A key event in the pathogenesis of BM is the induction of oesophageal CDX2 expression. Importantly, recent data reveal the molecular mechanisms that link inflammation in the development of Barrett's metaplasia, CDX2 and the progression to cancer. This review highlights the relationship between inflammation, metaplasia and carcinogenesis.
Colleypriest
Benjamin J
BJ
Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK. bc248@bath.ac.uk
Palmer
Rebecca M
RM
Ward
Stephen G
SG
Tosh
David
D
D000818:Animals; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D000071616:CDX2 Transcription Factor; D015870:Gene Expression; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008679:Metaplasia; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
C491273:CDX1 protein, human; D000071616:CDX2 Transcription Factor; C491270:CDX2 protein, human; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins