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Zhang Q, Dunbar KB, Odze RD, Agoston AT, Wang X, Su T, Nguyen AD, Zhang X, Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mediates reflux-induced epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in Barrett's oesophagus patients. Gut 2024; 73:1269-1279. [PMID: 38641363 PMCID: PMC11239289 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), the process through which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features, is needed for wound repair but also might contribute to cancer initiation. Earlier, in vitro studies showed that Barrett's cells exposed to acidic bile salt solutions (ABS) develop EMP. Now, we have (1) induced reflux oesophagitis in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) patients by stopping proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), (2) assessed their biopsies for EMP and (3) explored molecular pathways underlying reflux-induced EMP in BO cells and spheroids. METHODS 15 BO patients had endoscopy with biopsies of Barrett's metaplasia while on PPIs, and 1 and 2 weeks after stopping PPIs; RNA-seq data were assessed for enrichments in hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), angiogenesis and EMP pathways. In BO biopsies, cell lines and spheroids, EMP features (motility) and markers (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ZEB1, miR-200a&b) were evaluated by morphology, migration assays, immunostaining and qPCR; HIF-1α was knocked down with siRNA or shRNA. RESULTS At 1 and/or 2 weeks off PPIs, BO biopsies exhibited EMP features and markers, with significant enrichment for HIF-1α, angiogenesis and EMP pathways. In BO cells, ABS induced HIF-1α activation, which decreased miR-200a&b while increasing VEGF, ZEB1 and motility; HIF-1α knockdown blocked these effects. After ABS treatment, BO spheroids exhibited migratory protrusions showing nuclear HIF-1α, increased VEGF and decreased miR-200a&b. CONCLUSIONS In BO patients, reflux oesophagitis induces EMP changes associated with increased HIF-1α signalling in Barrett's metaplasia. In Barrett's cells, ABS trigger EMP via HIF-1α signalling. Thus, HIF-1α appears to play a key role in mediating reflux-induced EMP that might contribute to cancer in BO. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02579460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kerry B Dunbar
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Robert D Odze
- Department of Pathology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Robert D Odze Pathology, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agoston T Agoston
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Biostatistics Core, Baylor Scott & White Research Insitute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tianhong Su
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Anh D Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stuart Jon Spechler
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
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2
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Kumar N, Prakash PG, Wentland C, Kurian SM, Jethva G, Brinkmann V, Mollenkopf HJ, Krammer T, Toussaint C, Saliba AE, Biebl M, Jürgensen C, Wiedenmann B, Meyer TF, Gurumurthy RK, Chumduri C. Decoding spatiotemporal transcriptional dynamics and epithelial fibroblast crosstalk during gastroesophageal junction development through single cell analysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3064. [PMID: 38594232 PMCID: PMC11004180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The gastroesophageal squamocolumnar junction (GE-SCJ) is a critical tissue interface between the esophagus and stomach, with significant relevance in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying GE-SCJ development remain unclear. Using single-cell transcriptomics, organoids, and spatial analysis, we examine the cellular heterogeneity and spatiotemporal dynamics of GE-SCJ development from embryonic to adult mice. We identify distinct transcriptional states and signaling pathways in the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the esophagus and stomach during development. Fibroblast-epithelial interactions are mediated by various signaling pathways, including WNT, BMP, TGF-β, FGF, EGF, and PDGF. Our results suggest that fibroblasts predominantly send FGF and TGF-β signals to the epithelia, while epithelial cells mainly send PDGF and EGF signals to fibroblasts. We observe differences in the ligands and receptors involved in cell-cell communication between the esophagus and stomach. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GE-SCJ development and fibroblast-epithelial crosstalk involved, paving the way to elucidate mechanisms during adaptive metaplasia development and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Laboratory of Infections, Carcinogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Gaurav Jethva
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Volker Brinkmann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Mollenkopf
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Krammer
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe Toussaint
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
- University of Würzburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Biebl
- Surgical Clinic Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Jürgensen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertram Wiedenmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas F Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rajendra Kumar Gurumurthy
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cindrilla Chumduri
- Laboratory of Infections, Carcinogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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3
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Patil DT, Odze RD. Barrett's Esophagus and Associated Dysplasia. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2024; 53:1-23. [PMID: 38280743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Early detection of dysplasia and effective management are critical steps in halting neoplastic progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). This review provides a contemporary overview of the BE-related dysplasia, its role in guiding surveillance and management, and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that might further enhance patient management. Novel, noninvasive techniques for sampling and surveillance, adjunct biomarkers for risk assessment, and their limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa T Patil
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Robert D Odze
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Martinez-Uribe O, Becker TC, Garman KS. Promises and Limitations of Current Models for Understanding Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:1025-1038. [PMID: 38325549 PMCID: PMC11041847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS This review was developed to provide a thorough and effective update on models relevant to esophageal metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinogenesis, focusing on the advantages and limitations of different models of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). METHODS This expert review was written on the basis of a thorough review of the literature combined with expert interpretation of the state of the field. We emphasized advances over the years 2012-2023 and provided detailed information related to the characterization of established human esophageal cell lines. RESULTS New insights have been gained into the pathogenesis of BE and EAC using patient-derived samples and single-cell approaches. Relevant animal models include genetic as well as surgical mouse models and emphasize the development of lesions at the squamocolumnar junction in the mouse stomach. Rat models are generated using surgical approaches that directly connect the small intestine and esophagus. Large animal models have the advantage of including features in human esophagus such as esophageal submucosal glands. Alternatively, cell culture approaches remain important in the field and allow for personalized approaches, and scientific rigor can be ensured by authentication of cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Research in BE and EAC remains highly relevant given the morbidity and mortality associated with cancers of the tubular esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. Careful selection of models and inclusion of human samples whenever possible will ensure relevance to human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Martinez-Uribe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas C Becker
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Katherine S Garman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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5
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Maslenkina K, Mikhaleva L, Naumenko M, Vandysheva R, Gushchin M, Atiakshin D, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M. Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119304. [PMID: 37298253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant lesion that can develop into esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The development of Barrett's esophagus is caused by biliary reflux, which causes extensive mutagenesis in the stem cells of the epithelium in the distal esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction. Other possible cellular origins of BE include the stem cells of the mucosal esophageal glands and their ducts, the stem cells of the stomach, residual embryonic cells and circulating bone marrow stem cells. The classical concept of healing a caustic lesion has been replaced by the concept of a cytokine storm, which forms an inflammatory microenvironment eliciting a phenotypic shift toward intestinal metaplasia of the distal esophagus. This review describes the roles of the NOTCH, hedgehog, NF-κB and IL6/STAT3 molecular pathways in the pathogenesis of BE and EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Maslenkina
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liudmila Mikhaleva
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim Naumenko
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Rositsa Vandysheva
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Michail Gushchin
- A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitri Atiakshin
- Research and Educational Resource Centre for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- Research and Educational Resource Centre for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia Named after Patrice Lumumba, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstr. 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Tiemann
- Institute for Hematopathology, Fangdieckstr. 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Souza RF, Spechler SJ. Mechanisms and pathophysiology of Barrett oesophagus. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:605-620. [PMID: 35672395 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00622-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Barrett oesophagus, in which a metaplastic columnar mucosa that can predispose individuals to cancer development lines a portion of the distal oesophagus, is the only known precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, the incidence of which has increased profoundly over the past several decades. Most evidence suggests that Barrett oesophagus develops from progenitor cells at the oesophagogastric junction that proliferate and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition as part of a wound-healing process that replaces oesophageal squamous epithelium damaged by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD also seems to induce reprogramming of key transcription factors in the progenitor cells, resulting in the development of the specialized intestinal metaplasia that is characteristic of Barrett oesophagus, probably through an intermediate step of metaplasia to cardiac mucosa. Genome-wide association studies suggest that patients with GERD who develop Barrett oesophagus might have an inherited predisposition to oesophageal metaplasia and that there is a shared genetic susceptibility to Barrett oesophagus and to several of its risk factors (such as GERD, obesity and cigarette smoking). In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms, pathophysiology, genetic predisposition and cells of origin of Barrett oesophagus, and opine on the clinical implications and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda F Souza
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Oesophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. .,Center for Oesophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Stuart J Spechler
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Oesophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Center for Oesophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
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7
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Zhang Q, Bansal A, Dunbar KB, Chang Y, Zhang J, Balaji U, Gu J, Zhang X, Podgaetz E, Pan Z, Spechler SJ, Souza RF. A human Barrett's esophagus organoid system reveals epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity induced by acid and bile salts. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G598-G614. [PMID: 35380457 PMCID: PMC9109796 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00017.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of subsquamous intestinal metaplasia (SSIM), in which glands of Barrett's esophagus (BE) are buried under esophageal squamous epithelium, is unknown. In a rat model of reflux esophagitis, we found that columnar-lined esophagus developed via a wound-healing process involving epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) that buried glands under ulcerated squamous epithelium. To explore a role for reflux-induced EMP in BE, we established and characterized human Barrett's organoids and sought evidence of EMP after treatment with acidic bile salts (AB). We optimized media to grow human BE organoids from immortalized human Barrett's cells and from BE biopsies from seven patients, and we characterized histological, morphological, and molecular features of organoid development. Features and markers of EMP were explored following organoid exposure to AB, with and without a collagen I (COL1) matrix to simulate a wound-healing environment. All media successfully initiated organoid growth, but advanced DMEM/F12 (aDMEM) was best at sustaining organoid viability. Using aDMEM, organoids comprising nongoblet and goblet columnar cells that expressed gastric and intestinal cell markers were generated from BE biopsies of all seven patients. After AB treatment, early-stage Barrett's organoids exhibited EMP with loss of membranous E-cadherin and increased protrusive cell migration, events significantly enhanced by COL1. Using human BE biopsies, we have established Barrett's organoids that recapitulate key histological and molecular features of BE to serve as high-fidelity BE models. Our findings suggest that reflux can induce EMP in human BE, potentially enabling Barrett's cells to migrate under adjacent squamous epithelium to form SSIM.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using Barrett's esophagus (BE) biopsies, we established organoids recapitulating key BE features. During early stages of organoid development, a GERD-like wound environment-induced features of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) in Barrett's progenitor cells, suggesting that reflux-induced EMP can enable Barrett's cells to migrate underneath squamous epithelium to form subsquamous intestinal metaplasia, a condition that may underlie Barrett's cancers that escape detection by endoscopic surveillance, and recurrences of Barrett's metaplasia following endoscopic eradication therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ajay Bansal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Kerry B Dunbar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yan Chang
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Jianning Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Uthra Balaji
- Department of Biostatistics Core, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jinghua Gu
- Department of Biostatistics Core, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Xi Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Eitan Podgaetz
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Thoracic Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zui Pan
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Stuart Jon Spechler
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
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8
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De A, Zhou J, Liu P, Huang M, Gunewardena S, Mathur SC, Christenson LK, Sharma M, Zhang Q, Bansal A. Forkhead box F1 induces columnar phenotype and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in esophageal squamous cells to initiate Barrett's like metaplasia. J Transl Med 2021; 101:745-759. [PMID: 33495575 PMCID: PMC9296259 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00534-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked Forkhead Box F1 (FOXF1) to Barrett's esophagus (BE). Understanding whether FOXF1 is involved in initiation of Barrett's metaplasia could allow FOXF1 to be used for risk stratification and for therapy. Two-dimensional cell cultures and three-dimensional organoid cultures and well-annotated human biopsies were used to determine the role of FOXF1 in BE pathogenesis. Multiple established esophageal squamous and BE cell lines were tested in gain- and loss-of-function studies. Initiation of a BE-like metaplastic change was evaluated by measuring characteristic cytokeratins and global gene expression profiling and by culturing organoids. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated by immunostaining for E-cadherin, vimentin and Snail, and by cell motility assay. Columnar esophageal epithelium of BE patients exhibited higher expression of FOXF1 compared to normal squamous esophageal epithelium of GERD patients (P < 0.001). Acidic bile salts induced nuclear FOXF1 in esophageal squamous cells. FOXF1 overexpression in normal esophageal squamous cells: (a) increased columnar cytokeratins and decreased squamous cytokeratins, (b) converted squamous organoids to glandular organoids, and (c) switched global gene profiles to resemble that of human BE epithelium (P = 2.1685e - 06 for upregulated genes and P = 8.3378e - 09 for downregulated genes). FOXF1 inhibition in BE cell lines led to loss of BE differentiation markers, CK7, and mucin 2. Also, FOXF1 induced EMT and promoted cell motility in normal esophageal squamous epithelial cells. FOXF1-induced genes mapped to pathways such as Cancer, Cellular Assembly and Organization, DNA Replication, Recombination, and Repair. In conclusion, FOXF1 promotes a BE-like columnar phenotype and cell motility in esophageal squamous epithelial cells, which may have a critical role in BE development. FOXF1 should be studied further as a biomarker for BE and as a target for BE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok De
- Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation (MVBRF), Kansas City, MO, USA
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation (MVBRF), Kansas City, MO, USA
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Pi Liu
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Manling Huang
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sharad C Mathur
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
- The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation (MVBRF), Kansas City, MO, USA
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, 75246, USA.
| | - Ajay Bansal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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9
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Vercauteren Drubbel A, Pirard S, Kin S, Dassy B, Lefort A, Libert F, Nomura S, Beck B. Reactivation of the Hedgehog pathway in esophageal progenitors turns on an embryonic-like program to initiate columnar metaplasia. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1411-1427.e7. [PMID: 33882290 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Columnar metaplasia of the esophagus is the main risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. There is a lack of evidence to demonstrate that esophageal progenitors can be the source of columnar metaplasia. In this study, using transgenic mouse models, lineage tracing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and transcriptomic and epigenetic profiling, we found that the activation of the Hedgehog pathway in esophageal cells modifies their differentiation status in vivo. This process involves an initial step of dedifferentiation into embryonic-like esophageal progenitors. Moreover, a subset of these cells undergoes full squamous-to-columnar conversion and expresses selected intestinal markers. These modifications of cell fate are associated with remodeling of the chromatin and the appearance of Sox9. Using a conditional knockout mouse, we show that Sox9 is required for columnar conversion but not for the step of dedifferentiation. These results provide insight into the mechanisms by which esophageal cells might initiate columnar metaplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheleya Pirard
- IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simon Kin
- IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Dassy
- IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Lefort
- IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédérick Libert
- IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sachiyo Nomura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Benjamin Beck
- IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO/FNRS Principal Investigator at IRIBHM, ULB/Faculty of Medicine, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
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10
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High Content Imaging of Barrett's-Associated High-Grade Dysplasia Cells After siRNA Library Screening Reveals Acid-Responsive Regulators of Cellular Transitions. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 10:601-622. [PMID: 32416156 PMCID: PMC7408447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) develops from within Barrett's esophagus (BE) concomitant with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Wound healing processes and cellular transitions, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, may contribute to the development of BE and the eventual migratory escape of metastatic cancer cells. Herein, we attempt to identify the genes underlying esophageal cellular transitions and their potential regulation by the low pH environments observed in GERD and commonly encountered by escaping cancer cells. METHODS Small interfering RNA library screening and high-content imaging analysis outlined changes in BE high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and EAC cell morphologies after gene silencing. Gene expression microarray data and low pH exposures studies modeling GERD-associated pulses (pH 4.0, 10 min) and tumor microenvironments (pH 6.0, constant) were used. RESULTS Statistical analysis of small interfering RNA screening data defined 207 genes (Z-score >2.0), in 12 distinct morphologic clusters, whose suppression significantly altered BE-HGD cell morphology. The most significant genes in this list included KIF11, RRM2, NUBP2, P66BETA, DUX1, UBE3A, ITGB8, GAS1, GPS1, and PRC1. Guided by gene expression microarray study data, both pulsatile and constant low pH exposures were observed to suppress the expression of GPS1 and RRM2 in a nonoverlapping temporal manner in both BE-HGD and EAC cells, with no changes observed in squamous esophageal cells. Functional studies uncovered that GPS1 and RRM2 contributed to amoeboid and mesenchymal cellular transitions, respectively, as characterized by differential rates of cell motility, pseudopodia formation, and altered expression of the mesenchymal markers vimentin and E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we have shown that low pH microenvironments associated with GERD, and tumor invasive edges, can modulate the expression of genes that triggered esophageal cellular transitions potentially critical to colonization and invasion.
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Que J, Garman KS, Souza RF, Spechler SJ. Pathogenesis and Cells of Origin of Barrett's Esophagus. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:349-364.e1. [PMID: 31082367 PMCID: PMC6650338 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE), metaplastic columnar mucosa containing epithelial cells with gastric and intestinal features replaces esophageal squamous mucosa damaged by gastroesophageal reflux disease. This condition is estimated to affect 5.6% of adults in the United States, and is a major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Despite the prevalence and importance of BE, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood and there are disagreements over the cells of origin. We review mechanisms of BE pathogenesis, including transdifferentiation and transcommitment, and discuss potential cells of origin, including basal cells of the squamous epithelium, cells of esophageal submucosal glands and their ducts, cells of the proximal stomach, and specialized populations of cells at the esophagogastric junction (residual embryonic cells and transitional basal cells). We discuss the concept of metaplasia as a wound-healing response, and how cardiac mucosa might be the precursor of the intestinal metaplasia of BE. Finally, we discuss shortcomings in current diagnostic criteria for BE that have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwen Que
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Center for Human Development, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| | - Katherine S. Garman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine. Durham, NC
| | - Rhonda F. Souza
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, and Center for Esophageal Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX
| | - Stuart Jon Spechler
- Center for Esophageal Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas; Center for Esophageal Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas.
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Roudebush C, Catala-Valentin A, Andl T, Le Bras GF, Andl CD. Activin A-mediated epithelial de-differentiation contributes to injury repair in an in vitro gastrointestinal reflux model. Cytokine 2019; 123:154782. [PMID: 31369967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reflux esophagitis is a result of esophageal exposure to acid and bile during episodes of gastroesophageal reflux. Aside from chemical injury to the esophageal epithelium, it has been shown that acid and bile induce cytokine-mediated injury by stimulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. During the repair and healing process following reflux injury, the squamous esophageal cells are replaced with a columnar epithelium causing Barrett's metaplasia, which predisposes patients to esophageal adenocarcinoma. We identified a novel player in gastroesophageal reflux injury, the TGFβ family member Activin A (ActA), which is a known regulator of inflammation and tissue repair. In this study, we show that in response to bile salt and acidified media (pH 4) exposure, emulating the milieu to which the distal esophagus is exposed during gastroesophageal reflux, long-term treated, tolerant esophageal keratinocytes exhibit increased ActA secretion and a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature. Furthermore, we noted increased motility and expression of the stem cell markers SOX9, LGR5 and DCLK1 supporting the notion that repair mechanisms were activated in the bile salt/acid-tolerant keratinocytes. Additionally, these experiments demonstrated that de-differentiation as characterized by the induction of YAP1, FOXO3 and KRT17 was altered by ActA/TGFβ signaling. Collectively, our results suggest a pivotal role for ActA in the inflammatory GERD environment by modulating esophageal tissue repair and de-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Roudebush
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Alma Catala-Valentin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Gregoire F Le Bras
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States.
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Mukaisho KI, Kanai S, Kushima R, Nakayama T, Hattori T, Sugihara H. Barretts's carcinogenesis. Pathol Int 2019; 69:319-330. [PMID: 31290583 PMCID: PMC6851828 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus is considered a precancerous lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Long‐segment Barrett's esophagus, which is generally associated with intestinal metaplasia, has a higher rate of carcinogenesis than short‐segment Barrett's esophagus, which is mainly composed of cardiac‐type mucosa. However, a large number of cases reportedly develop EAC from the cardiac‐type mucosa which has the potential to involve intestinal phenotypes. There is no consensus regarding whether the definition of Barrett's epithelium should include intestinal metaplasia. Basic researches using rodent models have provided information regarding the origins of Barrett's epithelium. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether differentiated gastric columnar epithelium or stratified esophageal squamous epithelium undergo transdifferentiation into the intestinal‐type columnar epithelium, transcommittment into the columnar epithelium, or whether the other pathways exist. Reflux of duodenal fluid including bile acids into the stomach may occur when an individual lies down after eating, which could cause the digestive juices to collect in the fornix of the stomach. N‐nitroso‐bile acids are produced with nitrites that are secreted from the salivary glands, and bile acids can drive expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via EGFR or the NF‐κB pathway. These steps may contribute significantly to carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Mukaisho
- Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Shunpei Kanai
- Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kushima
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takahisa Nakayama
- Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takanori Hattori
- Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sugihara
- Division of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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Zhang Q, Agoston AT, Pham TH, Zhang W, Zhang X, Huo X, Peng S, Bajpai M, Das K, Odze RD, Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Acidic Bile Salts Induce Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition via VEGF Signaling in Non-Neoplastic Barrett's Cells. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:130-144.e10. [PMID: 30268789 PMCID: PMC6309503 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metaplastic glands buried under squamous epithelium are frequently detected in patients with Barrett esophagus (BE). This subsquamous intestinal metaplasia might be responsible for cancers that develop despite endoscopic surveillance and for metaplasia recurrences after endoscopic ablation. To determine whether reflux induces BE cells to undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that produces subsquamous intestinal metaplasia, we assessed EMT in BE cells exposed to acidic bile salts and in rat and human esophageal tissues. METHODS We compared markers of EMT and cell motility in trans-well and 3-dimensional organotypic culture systems among dysplastic BE epithelial cell lines, nondysplastic telomerase-immortalized BE cell lines (BAR-T), and BAR-T cells exposed acutely or for 20 weeks to acidic bile salts. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A was inhibited with a neutralizing antibody or CRISPR-Cas9n and VEGF receptor 2 was inhibited with SU1498 or shRNA, and cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or immunoblotting for markers of VEGF signaling and EMT; cell motility was assessed by trans-well assay. We used immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to assess EMT markers in the columnar-lined esophagus of rats with surgically induced reflux esophagitis and in esophagectomy specimens from patients with BE. RESULTS We detected features of EMT (decreased cadherin 1 [CDH1]; increased fibronectin 1, vimentin, and matrix metalloproteinase 2; and increased motility) in dysplastic BE epithelial cell lines and in BAR-T cells exposed for 20 weeks, but not in unexposed BAR-T cells. Acute acidic bile salt exposure induced expression of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 and 2 (ZEB1/2) in BAR-T cells, which decreased their expression of CDH1 and increased motility; inhibitors of VEGF signaling blocked these effects. Columnar-lined esophagus of rats with reflux esophagitis had increased expression of ZEB1/2 and decreased expression of CDH1 compared with controls. Dysplastic BE tissues also had significantly increased levels of ZEB1 and significantly decreased levels of CDH1 compared with nondysplastic BE tissues. CONCLUSIONS In BE cell lines, acidic bile salts induce EMT by VEGF signaling, which increases expression of ZEB1/2, repressors of CDH1. These observations suggest that reflux induces EMT in metaplastic BE tissues, which promotes development of subsquamous intestinal metaplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Agoston T Agoston
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thai H Pham
- Department of Surgery, VA North Texas Health Care System and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Xiaofang Huo
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sui Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Trials Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manisha Bajpai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Kiron Das
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Robert D Odze
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stuart J Spechler
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Diseases, Baylor University Medical Center and Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas.
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Nomura S, Goldenring JR. Mind the Gap: Crossing Boundaries to Establish Reparative Metaplasia. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 6:468-469. [PMID: 30364646 PMCID: PMC6198020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Nomura
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Sachiyo Nomura, MD, PhD, AGAF, FACS, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - James R Goldenring
- Nashville VA Medical Center and Department of Surgery and the Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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