title: Molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus.
abstract: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as the metaplastic conversion of esophageal squamous epithelium to intestinalized columnar epithelium. As a premalignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), BE develops as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many studies have been conducted to understand the molecular mechanisms of this disease. This review summarizes recent results involving squamous and intestinal transcription factors, signaling pathways, stromal factors, microRNAs, and other factors in the development of BE. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide future studies. We expect elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of BE to help in the development of improved management of GERD, BE, and EAC.
authors: Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, 700 George Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA. chenh@nccu.edu
authors: Hao
authors: H
authors: Chen
authors: Yu
authors: Y
authors: Fang
authors: Whitney
authors: W
authors: Tevebaugh
authors: Roy C
authors: RC
authors: Orlando
authors: Nicholas J
authors: NJ
authors: Shaheen
authors: Xiaoxin
authors: X
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002450:Cell Communication; D018450:Disease Progression; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; D014157:Transcription Factors