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.
2011-12-05
Eng.
Digestive diseases and sciences
Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, 700 George Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA. chenh [at] nccu.edu
Dig Dis Sci. 2011 Dec;56(12):3405-20
© Galenicom 1999-2013