Review article: a conceptual approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer development in Barrett’s oesophagus

2001 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1087-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Souza ◽  
C. P. Morales ◽  
S. J. Spechler
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Barrett’S Oesophagus ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Barrett's Oesophagus

Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's oesophagus: An essential factor to predict the risk of dysplasia and cancer development

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Salemme ◽  
Vincenzo Villanacci ◽  
Gianpaolo Cengia ◽  
Renzo Cestari ◽  
Guido Missale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Metaplasia ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Barrett’S Oesophagus ◽  
Essential Factor ◽  
Barrett's Oesophagus

Cellular origin of Barrett's metaplasia and oesophageal stem cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariagnese Barbera ◽  
Rebecca C. Fitzgerald
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Squamous Epithelium ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Basal Layer ◽  
Barrett’S Oesophagus ◽  
Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Multipotent Stem Cells ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Barrett's Oesophagus

Barrett's oesophagus is a metaplastic pre-malignant disorder and the only established precursor lesion for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett's oesophagus develops when the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the lower oesophagus is replaced by a columnar lined mucosa with intestinal differentiation, usually in the context of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which this metaplastic transformation occurs are poorly understood. Abnormal differentiation of multipotent stem cells in the squamous oesophagus, triggered by exposure to refluxate, is one potential mechanism. These stem cells could be located in the basal layer of the squamous oesophageal epithelium and/or in the neck region of the oesophageal submucosal gland ducts; however, their exact location and identification are still matter of discussion. Three-dimensional models combined with state-of-the-art imaging techniques are now applied to characterize the squamous epithelium in human oesophageal samples, and this could unveil essential information to identify these progenitor cells. Locating stem cells in human squamous oesophagus could have important implications for our understanding of Barrett's oesophagus and remarkably improve our future strategies for its prevention.

Genetic diversity during the development of Barrett's oesophagus-associated adenocarcinoma: how, when and why?

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 374-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor A. Graham ◽  
Stuart A.C. McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Genetic Heterogeneity ◽  
Genetic Alterations ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Barrett’S Oesophagus ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Barrett's Oesophagus ◽  
Single Lesion

Recent investigations into Barrett's oesophagus at the level of individual crypts have found significant genetic heterogeneity within a single lesion. Furthermore, this genetic diversity has been shown to predict cancer development. In the present article, we review the genetic alterations implicated in disease progression in Barrett's oesophagus and discuss how genetic diversity could arise during tumorigenesis. Three arguments are discussed: a high mutation rate coupled with strong selection, clonal interaction driving progression, and a hitherto unidentified alteration that disrupts epithelial cell homoeostasis. Suggestions are made for future research to distinguish which of these theories is the predominant mechanism in Barrett's oesophagus-associated tumorigenesis.

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