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Mahmoudian RA, Farshchian M, Golyan FF, Mahmoudian P, Alasti A, Moghimi V, Maftooh M, Khazaei M, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Mahaki H, Shahidsales S, Avan A. Preclinical tumor mouse models for studying esophageal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 189:104068. [PMID: 37468084 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104068] [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] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical models are extensively employed in cancer research because they can be manipulated in terms of their environment, genome, molecular biology, organ systems, and physical activity to mimic human behavior and conditions. The progress made in in vivo cancer research has resulted in significant advancements, enabling the creation of spontaneous, metastatic, and humanized mouse models. Most recently, the remarkable and extensive developments in genetic engineering, particularly the utilization of CRISPR/Cas9, transposable elements, epigenome modifications, and liquid biopsies, have further facilitated the design and development of numerous mouse models for studying cancer. In this review, we have elucidated the production and usage of current mouse models, such as xenografts, chemical-induced models, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), for studying esophageal cancer. Additionally, we have briefly discussed various gene-editing tools that could potentially be employed in the future to create mouse models specifically for esophageal cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Alsadat Mahmoudian
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Division of Oncology, Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fatemeh Fardi Golyan
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Mahmoudian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Alasti
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Moghimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Mina Maftooh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Hanie Mahaki
- Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala, Iraq; Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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Hasebe K, Yamazaki K, Yamaguchi J, Kokuryo T, Yokoyama Y, Miyata K, Fukaya M, Nagino M, Ebata T. Trefoil factor 1 inhibits the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma from Barrett's epithelium. J Transl Med 2022; 102:885-895. [PMID: 35279702 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-022-00771-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trefoil factor family 1 (TFF1) is one of three members of the trefoil factor family that are abundantly expressed in the gastrointestinal mucosal epithelium. Recent studies have shown that TFF1 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric, pancreatic and hepatocellular carcinogenesis; however, little is known about its function in esophageal carcinogenesis, especially in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Barrett's epithelium is the metaplastic columnar epithelium of the esophagus and a known premalignant lesion of EAC. To investigate the role of TFF1 in EAC development, a mouse model of Barrett's epithelium was employed, and human specimens of EAC were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and methylation-specific PCR. Wild-type (WT) mice underwent gastrojejunostomy on the forestomach, resulting in the development of Barrett's epithelium-like (BE-like) epithelium adjacent to the anastomotic site. BE-like epithelium in these mice expressed TFF1, indicating the association of TFF1 with esophageal adenocarcinoma. TFF1-knockout (TFF1KO) mice underwent the same procedure as well, revealing that a deficiency in TFF1 resulted in the development of adenocarcinoma in the anastomotic site, presumably from BE-like epithelium. IHC of human samples revealed strong TFF1 expression in Barrett's epithelium, which was lost in some EACs, confirming the association between TFF1 and EAC development. Aberrant DNA hypermethylation in TFF1 promoter lesions was detected in TFF1-negative human EAC samples, further confirming not only the role of TFF1 in EAC but also the underlying mechanisms of TFF1 regulation. In addition, IHC revealed the nuclear translocation of β-catenin in human and mouse EAC, suggesting that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was induced by the loss of TFF1. In conclusion, these results indicate that TFF1 functions as a tumor suppressor to inhibit the development of esophageal carcinogenesis from Barrett's epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Hasebe
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Yamazaki
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Junpei Yamaguchi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Toshio Kokuryo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yokoyama
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazushi Miyata
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahide Fukaya
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masato Nagino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ebata
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Barrett's Metaplasia Progression towards Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: An Attempt to Select a Panel of Molecular Sensors and to Reflect Clinical Alterations by Experimental Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063312. [PMID: 35328735 PMCID: PMC8955539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular processes that predispose the development of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) towards esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) induced by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) are still under investigation. In this study, based on a scientific literature screening and an analysis of clinical datasets, we selected a panel of 20 genes covering BE- and EAC-specific molecular markers (FZD5, IFNGR1, IL1A, IL1B, IL1R1, IL1RN, KRT4, KRT8, KRT15, KRT18, NFKBIL1, PTGS1, PTGS2, SOCS3, SOX4, SOX9, SOX15, TIMP1, TMEM2, TNFRSF10B). Furthermore, we aimed to reflect these alterations within an experimental and translational in vitro model of BE to EAC progression. We performed a comparison between expression profiles in GSE clinical databases with an in vitro model of GERD involving a BE cell line (BAR-T) and EAC cell lines (OE33 and OE19). Molecular responses of cells treated with acidified bile mixture (BM) at concentration of 100 and 250 μM for 30 min per day were evaluated. We also determined a basal mRNA expression within untreated, wild type cell lines on subsequent stages of BE and EAC development. We observed that an appropriately optimized in vitro model based on the combination of BAR-T, OE33 and OE19 cell lines reflects in 65% and more the clinical molecular alterations observed during BE and EAC development. We also confirmed previous observations that exposure to BM (GERD in vitro) activated carcinogenesis in non-dysplastic cells, inducing molecular alternations in the advanced stages of BE. We conclude that it is possible to induce, to a high extent, the molecular profile observed clinically within appropriately and carefully optimized experimental models, triggering EAC development. This experimental scheme and molecular marker panel might be implemented in further research, e.g., aiming to develop and evaluate novel compounds and prodrugs targeting GERD as well as BE and EAC prevention and treatment.
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Xia L, Liang W, Que D, Xie Q. Correlation Analysis of circRNA Circ_0071662 in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 14:10423-10428. [PMID: 35002298 PMCID: PMC8721522 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s343889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of circRNA circ_0071662 has been studied in bladder cancer. The present study aimed to analyze its involvement in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods Patients with ESCC (n = 66), esophageal ulcer (EU, n = 66), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, n = 66) and healthy controls (n = 66) were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were collected from all patients and controls. ESCC and paired non-tumor tissue samples were collected from ESCC patients. Circ_0071662 levels in these samples were determined by RT-qPCRs. Diagnostic and prognostic values of circ_0071662 for ESCC were analyzed with ROC curve and survival curve analyses. Results Circ_0071662 level was decreased in ESCC, but not in GERN and EU compared to the controls and in ESCC tissues compared to the non-tumor tissues. Plasma circ_0071662 was closely correlated with patients’ tumor size but not with other clinical features. Decreased plasma circ_0071662 levels separated ESCC patients from GERN patients, EU patients, and healthy controls. Low plasma circ_0071662 levels were closely correlated with worse survival outcomes of ESCC patients. Conclusion Circ_0071662 is lowly expressed in ESCC and may serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xia
- Cancer Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, 400000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, 400000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Que
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, 400000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qichao Xie
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, 400000, People's Republic of China
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Fang Y, Li W, Chen X. P63 Deficiency and CDX2 Overexpression Lead to Barrett's-Like Metaplasia in Mouse Esophageal Epithelium. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:4263-4273. [PMID: 33469811 PMCID: PMC8286978 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cellular origin and molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus (BE) are still controversial. Trans-differentiation is a mechanism characterized by activation of the intestinal differentiation program and inactivation of the squamous differentiation program. AIMS Renal capsule grafting (RCG) was used to elucidate whether CDX2 overexpression on the basis of P63 deficiency in the esophageal epithelium may generate intestinal metaplasia. METHODS P63-/-;Villin-Cdx2 embryos were generated by crossing P63+/- mice with Villin-Cdx2 mice. E18.5 esophagus was xenografted in a renal capsule grafting (RCG) model. At 1, 2, or 4 weeks after RCG, the mouse esophagus was immunostained for a proliferation marker (BrdU), squamous transcription factors (SOX2, PAX9), squamous differentiation markers (CK5, CK4, and CK1), intestinal transcription factors (CDX1, HNF1α, HNF4α, GATA4, and GATA6), intestinal columnar epithelial cell markers (A33, CK8), goblet cell marker (MUC2, TFF3), Paneth cell markers (LYZ and SOX9), enteroendocrine cell marker (CHA), and Tuft cell marker (DCAMKL1). RESULTS The P63-/-;Villin-Cdx2 RCG esophagus was lined with proliferating PAS/AB+ cuboidal cells and formed an intestinal crypt-like structure. The goblet cell markers (TFF3 and MUC2) and intestinal transcription factors (CDX1, HNF1α, HNF4α, GATA4, and GATA6) were expressed although no typical morphology of goblet cells was observed. Other intestinal cell markers including enteroendocrine cell marker (CHA), Paneth cell markers (LYZ and Sox9), and intestinal secretory cell marker (UEA/WGA) were also expressed in the P63-/-;Villin-Cdx2 RCG esophagus. Squamous cell markers (PAX9 and SOX2) were also expressed, suggesting a transitional phenotype. CONCLUSION CDX2 overexpression on the basis of P63 deficiency in esophageal epithelial cells induces Barrett's-like metaplasia in vivo. Additional factors may be needed to drive this transitional phenotype into full-blown BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400045, China,Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, 700 George St., Durham, NC 27707. USA
| | - Wenbo Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, 960 Hospital, Clinical Teaching Hospital of JinZhou Medical University, Jinan 250031, China,Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, 700 George St., Durham, NC 27707. USA
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, 700 George St., Durham, NC 27707. USA
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Mahmoudian RA, Farshchian M, Abbaszadegan MR. Genetically engineered mouse models of esophageal cancer. Exp Cell Res 2021; 406:112757. [PMID: 34331909 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide with a diverse geographical distribution, poor prognosis, and diagnosis in advanced stages of the disease. Identification of the mechanisms involved in esophageal cancer development is evaluative to improve outcomes for patients. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer provide the physiologic, molecular, and histologic features of the human tumors to determine the pathogenesis and treatments for cancer, hence exhibiting a source of tremendous potential for oncology research. The advancement of cancer modeling in mice has improved to the extent that researchers can observe and manipulate the disease process in a specific manner. Despite the significant differences between mice and humans, mice can be great models for human oncology researches due to similarities between them at the molecular and physiological levels. Due to most of the existing esophageal cancer GEMMs do not propose an ideal system for pathogenesis of the disease, genetic risks, and microenvironment exposure, so identification of challenges in GEM modeling and well-developed technologies are required to obtain the most value for patients. In this review, we describe the biology of human and mouse, followed by the exciting esophageal cancer mouse models with a discussion of applicability and challenges of these models for generating new GEMMs in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moein Farshchian
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran.
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Urbanska AM, Ponnazhagan S, Mozafari M. Pathology, Chemoprevention, and Preclinical Models for Target Validation in Barrett Esophagus. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3747-3754. [PMID: 29959150 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) being the most widespread among gastrointestinal cancers, with an 11-fold increase in the risk of cancer for patients with Barrett esophagus (BE), its prognosis is still poor. There is a critical need to better perceive the biology of cancer progression and identification of specific targets that are the hallmark of BE's progression. This review explores the established animal models of BE, including genetic, surgical and nonsurgical approaches, potential chemoprevention targets, and the reasoning behind their applications to prevent Barrett-related EAC. The key methodological features in the design feasibility of relevant studies are also discussed. Cancer Res; 78(14); 3747-54. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M Urbanska
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Masoud Mozafari
- Bioengineering Research Group, Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Department, Materials and Energy Research Center (MERC), Tehran, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jiang M, Li H, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Lu R, Liu K, Lin S, Lan X, Wang H, Wu H, Zhu J, Zhou Z, Xu J, Lee DK, Zhang L, Lee YC, Yuan J, Abrams JA, Wang TG, Sepulveda AR, Wu Q, Chen H, Sun X, She J, Chen X, Que J. Transitional basal cells at the squamous-columnar junction generate Barrett's oesophagus. Nature 2017; 550:529-533. [PMID: 29019984 PMCID: PMC5831195 DOI: 10.1038/nature24269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In several organ systems, the transitional zone between different types of epithelium is a hotspot for pre-neoplastic metaplasia and malignancy, but the cells of origin for these metaplastic epithelia and subsequent malignancies remain unknown. In the case of Barrett's oesophagus, intestinal metaplasia occurs at the gastro-oesophageal junction, where stratified squamous epithelium transitions into simple columnar cells. On the basis of a number of experimental models, several alternative cell types have been proposed as the source of this metaplasia but in all cases the evidence is inconclusive: no model completely mimics Barrett's oesophagus in terms of the presence of intestinal goblet cells. Here we describe a transitional columnar epithelium with distinct basal progenitor cells (p63+KRT5+KRT7+) at the squamous-columnar junction of the upper gastrointestinal tract in a mouse model. We use multiple models and lineage tracing strategies to show that this squamous-columnar junction basal cell population serves as a source of progenitors for the transitional epithelium. On ectopic expression of CDX2, these transitional basal progenitors differentiate into intestinal-like epithelium (including goblet cells) and thereby reproduce Barrett's metaplasia. A similar transitional columnar epithelium is present at the transitional zones of other mouse tissues (including the anorectal junction) as well as in the gastro-oesophageal junction in the human gut. Acid reflux-induced oesophagitis and the multilayered epithelium (believed to be a precursor of Barrett's oesophagus) are both characterized by the expansion of the transitional basal progenitor cells. Our findings reveal a previously unidentified transitional zone in the epithelium of the upper gastrointestinal tract and provide evidence that the p63+KRT5+KRT7+ basal cells in this zone are the cells of origin for multi-layered epithelium and Barrett's oesophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | - Haiyan Li
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yongchun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
- Institute for laboratory medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Sijie Lin
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
- Institute for laboratory medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Lan
- Institute for laboratory medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Haikun Wang
- CAS key laboratory of molecular virology and immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Han Wu
- Ascendas Genomics Inc., Zhongshan, Guandong 529437, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhu
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Zhongren Zhou
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Dong-Kee Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Lanjing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, Plainsboro, NJ 08536
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102
| | - Yuan-Cho Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032
| | - Jingsong Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032
| | - Julian A. Abrams
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | - Timothy G. Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Qi Wu
- Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | | | - Xin Sun
- Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Junjun She
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA
- Corresponding author: Jianwen Que, MD, PhD. Center for Human Development and Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, BB-810, 650 West 168th Street, Columbia University Medical Center, NY 10032, USA. . Tel: +1-212-305-5961
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Terabe F, Aikou S, Aida J, Yamamichi N, Kaminishi M, Takubo K, Seto Y, Nomura S. Columnar Metaplasia in Three Types of Surgical Mouse Models of Esophageal Reflux. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 4:115-123. [PMID: 28593183 PMCID: PMC5453905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops in the setting of gastroesophageal reflux and columnar metaplasia in distal esophagus. Columnar metaplasia arising in gastroesophageal reflux models has developed in rat; however, gastroesophageal reflux models in mice have not been well-characterized. METHODS One hundred thirty-five C57Bl/6J mice aged 8 weeks old were divided into the following operations: esophagogastrojejunostomy (side-to-side) (EGJ), esophageal separation and esophagojejunostomy (end-to-side) (EJ), and EJ and gastrectomy (end-to-side) (EJ/TG). The animals were euthanized after 40 weeks and the histology of the junction was examined. Immunohistochemistry for p53, PDX-1, and CDX-2 was performed. RESULTS Metaplasia developed in 15/33 (45.5%) of EGJ, 0/38 (0%) of EJ, and 6/39 (15.4%) of EJ/TG (P < .05) and dysplasia developed 7/33 (21.2%) of EGJ, 0% of EJ, and 1/39 (2.6%) of EJ/TG. p53 was positive in all of the dysplastic regions, 12/15 (80%) metaplasias in the EGJ model, and 1/6 (16.7%) metaplasia in the EJ/TG model. CDX-2 was positive in all cases of metaplasias, but decreased in some cases of dysplasia. PDX-1 was positive in 7/8 (88%) cases of dysplasia and in 15/21 (71%) cases of metaplasia (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The EGJ model, which causes reflux of gastric acid and duodenal content, developed metaplasia and dysplasia most frequently. No metaplasia developed in the EJ model in which gastric juice and duodenal content mixed before reflux. Thus, duodenal contents alone can induce columnar metaplasia and dysplasia; however, the combination of gastric acid with duodenal content reflux can cause metaplasia and dysplasia more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Terabe
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Aikou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Aida
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobutake Yamamichi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kaiyo Takubo
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Seto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Nomura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Sachiyo Nomura, MD, PhD, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyu-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113-8655.fax: +81-3-5800-9734.Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryGraduate School of MedicineThe University of Tokyo7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyu-kuTokyoJapan 113-8655
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10
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de Magalhães Gomes R, Soletti RC, Soldan M, Madi K, Foster FS, Machado JC. In Vivo Endoluminal Ultrasound Biomicroscopy and Endoscopy of Inflamed Rat Esophagus. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:2687-2696. [PMID: 27530211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-frequency endoscopic ultrasound for the investigation of models of esophageal disease may offer insights for future translation to human imaging. With respect to small animal models of esophageal diseases, ultrasound imaging instrumentation must employ frequencies scaled up to maintain the compromise between image resolution and inspected region. In this sense, a 40-MHz endoluminal ultrasound biomicroscopy (eUBM) system and an endoscope were tested as diagnostic methods of imaging rat esophageal lesions in the acute and chronic phases caused by sodium hydroxide. Although endoscopy allowed grading of the esophagus in accordance with a classification specific to the epithelial alterations and including hyperemia, edema, exudates, fibrin and superficial and deep ulcerations, the eUBM images yielded the detection of superficial and deep ulcerations, as well as wall alterations caused by edema and inflammatory infiltrate in the submucosa. Additionally, eUBM enabled wall thickness measurements, which were statistically significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the acute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Magalhães Gomes
- Post-Graduation Program in Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rossana C Soletti
- Pharmacy Unit, Universidade Estadual da Zona Oeste, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mônica Soldan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kalil Madi
- Division of Pathology, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - F Stuart Foster
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - João C Machado
- Post-Graduation Program in Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Biomedical Engineering Program, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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11
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12
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Abstract
Multiple surgical procedures have been reported to induce gastroesophageal reflux in animals. Herein, we report three surgical models with mice aiming to induce reflux of gastric contents, duodenal contents or mixed contents. Surgical procedures and general principles have been described in detail. A researcher with surgical experience should be able to grasp the technique after a short period of practice. After surgery, most mice can survive and develop reflux esophagitis similar to that in humans. However, it should be noted that histological differences between mouse and human esophagus are the inherent limitations of these surgical models. If used for research on Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma, these procedures may need to be combined with genetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxi He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ningxia Medical University General Hospital; Cancer Research Program, North Carolina Central University
| | - Yu Fang
- Cancer Research Program, North Carolina Central University; Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University;
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Cancer Research Program, North Carolina Central University; Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Disease and Swallowing, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
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13
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Kapoor H, Lohani KR, Lee TH, Agrawal DK, Mittal SK. Animal Models of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma-Past, Present, and Future. Clin Transl Sci 2015. [PMID: 26211420 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the fastest rising cancer in the United States. It develops from long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease which affects >20% of the general population. It carries a very poor prognosis with 5-year survival <20%. The disease is known to sequentially progress from reflux esophagitis to a metaplastic precursor, Barrett's esophagus and then onto dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, only few patients with reflux develop Barrett's esophagus and only a minority of these turn malignant. The reason for this heterogeneity in clinical progression is unknown. To improve patient management, molecular changes which facilitate disease progression must be identified. Animal models can provide a comprehensive functional and anatomic platform for such a study. Rats and mice have been the most widely studied but disease homology with humans has been questioned. No animal model naturally simulates the inflammation to adenocarcinoma progression as in humans, with all models requiring surgical bypass or destruction of existing antireflux mechanisms. Valuable properties of individual models could be utilized to holistically evaluate disease progression. In this review paper, we critically examined the current animal models of Barrett's esophagus, their differences and homologies with human disease and how they have shaped our current understanding of Barrett's carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harit Kapoor
- Department of Surgery and Center for Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kush Raj Lohani
- Department of Surgery and Center for Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tommy H Lee
- Department of Surgery and Center for Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Surgery and Center for Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sumeet K Mittal
- Department of Surgery and Center for Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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14
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Lehman HL, Stairs DB. Single and Multiple Gene Manipulations in Mouse Models of Human Cancer. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2015; 8:1-15. [PMID: 26380553 PMCID: PMC4558888 DOI: 10.4137/cgm.s21217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of human cancer play a critical role in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Advances continue to be made in modeling human disease in a mouse, though the relevance of a mouse model often relies on how closely it is able to mimic the histologic, molecular, and physiologic characteristics of the respective human cancer. A classic use of a genetically engineered mouse in studying cancer is through the overexpression or deletion of a gene. However, the manipulation of a single gene often falls short of mimicking all the characteristics of the carcinoma in humans; thus a multiple gene approach is needed. Here we review genetic mouse models of cancers and their abilities to recapitulate human carcinoma with single versus combinatorial approaches with genes commonly involved in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Lehman
- Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Douglas B Stairs
- Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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15
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Development and characterization of a surgical mouse model of reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. J Gastrointest Surg 2014; 18:234-40; discussion 240-1. [PMID: 24190247 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-013-2386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Ideally, an animal model of Barrett's esophagus should recapitulate the human disease histologically and immunohistochemically, and be readily susceptible to genetic manipulation. We have developed such a model using a strain of mice commonly used for transgenic and knockout manipulations. We induced reflux by esophagojejunostomy (EJ) in 20 C57Bl/6 mice. At defined time points, sections of the esophagus were stained with H&E and Alcian blue, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for Sox9 (a transcription factor in Barrett's metaplasia), cytokeratin (CK) 8/18 (a columnar marker) and CK14 (a squamous marker). Procedural mortality was 40% for the first ten animals, 20% for the next 10. Reflux esophagitis developed by 13 weeks, and intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells developed by 34 weeks. The metaplasia expressed CK8/18, but not CK14, and exhibited nuclear immunostaining for Sox9. Nuclear Sox9 was also seen in scattered basal cells of squamous epithelium close to the EJ anastomosis. EJ can be performed successfully in C57Bl/6 mice, resulting in reflux esophagitis and intestinal metaplasia that exhibits phenotypic and molecular features of human Barrett's metaplasia. This surgical model in a mouse strain that is easy to manipulate genetically should be a valuable tool for studying the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus.
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16
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Fang Y, Chen X, Bajpai M, Verma A, Das KM, Souza RF, Garman KS, Donohoe CL, O'Farrell NJ, Reynolds JV, Dvorak K. Cellular origins and molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1300:187-199. [PMID: 24117642 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents commentaries on animal models used for Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) research; acid- and bile-induced chromosomal instability and clonal selection during the progression of BE to EAC; how the components of gastric refluxate, especially acid and bile salts, promote carcinogenesis in metaplastic BE; genome-wide changes in DNA methylation and transcription involved in BE carcinogenesis; the potential role of miRNA in the development of BE and EAC; the effect of inflammatory cytokines linked to obesity on the activation of cell-death pathways and cell survival in BE and esophageal cancer; and the role of autophagy in esophageal cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Cancer Research Program, JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Cancer Research Program, JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Center for Esophageal Disease and Swallowing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Manisha Bajpai
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Amit Verma
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Kiron M Das
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Claire L Donohoe
- Trinity College Dublin/St. James' Hospital, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Naoimh J O'Farrell
- Trinity College Dublin/St. James' Hospital, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V Reynolds
- Trinity College Dublin/St. James' Hospital, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katerina Dvorak
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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17
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Sox2 cooperates with inflammation-mediated Stat3 activation in the malignant transformation of foregut basal progenitor cells. Cell Stem Cell 2013; 12:304-15. [PMID: 23472872 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sox2 regulates the self-renewal of multiple types of stem cells. Recent studies suggest it also plays oncogenic roles in the formation of squamous carcinoma in several organs, including the esophagus where Sox2 is predominantly expressed in the basal progenitor cells of the stratified epithelium. Here, we use mouse genetic models to reveal a mechanism by which Sox2 cooperates with microenvironmental signals to malignantly transform epithelial progenitor cells. Conditional overexpression of Sox2 in basal cells expands the progenitor population in both the esophagus and forestomach. Significantly, carcinoma only develops in the forestomach, where pathological progression correlates with inflammation and nuclear localization of Stat3 in progenitor cells. Importantly, co-overexpression of Sox2 and activated Stat3 (Stat3C) also transforms esophageal basal cells but not the differentiated suprabasal cells. These findings indicate that basal stem/progenitor cells are the cells of origin of squamous carcinoma and that cooperation between Sox2 and microenvironment-activated Stat3 is required for Sox2-driven tumorigenesis.
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18
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Hu B, Chen H, Liu X, Zhang C, Cole GJ, Lee JA, Chen X. Transgenic overexpression of cdx1b induces metaplastic changes of gene expression in zebrafish esophageal squamous epithelium. Zebrafish 2013; 10:218-27. [PMID: 23672288 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2012.0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cdx2 has been suggested to play an important role in Barrett's esophagus or intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the esophagus. To investigate whether transgenic overexpression of cdx1b, the functional equivalent of mammalian Cdx2 in zebrafish, may lead to IM of zebrafish esophageal squamous epithelium, a transgenic zebrafish system was developed by expressing cdx1b gene under the control of zebrafish keratin 5 promoter (krt5p). Gene expression in the esophageal squamous epithelium of wild-type and transgenic zebrafish was analyzed by Affymetrix microarray and confirmed by in situ hybridization. Morphology, mucin expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed by hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) Alcian blue staining, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining, and TUNEL assay as well. cdx1b was found to be overexpressed in the nuclei of esophageal squamous epithelial cells of the transgenic zebrafish. Ectopic expression of cdx1b disturbed the development of this epithelium in larval zebrafish and induced metaplastic changes in gene expression in the esophageal squamous epithelial cells of adult zebrafish, that is, up-regulation of intestinal differentiation markers and down-regulation of squamous differentiation markers. However, cdx1b failed to induce histological IM, or to modulate cell proliferation and apoptosis in the squamous epithelium of adult transgenic zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Cancer Research Program, Department of Biology, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University , Durham, NC 27707, USA
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19
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Abstract
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer and causes the sixth highest cancer-related mortality worldwide. The 5-year survival of patients suffering from esophageal cancer in either advanced stage or metastasis is less than 20%. MicroRNAs are small, well conserved, non-coding RNA molecules that either repress translation or promote mRNA degradation based on the degree of complementary between miRNAs and mRNAs. Based on biogenesis and function of microRNAs, specific microRNA profiles, either from cancerous tissues or serum, were able to serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of esophageal cancer and predicted the effectiveness of surgery and chemoradiotherapy. MicroRNAs could also influence the biological behaviors of esophageal cancer cells, such as cellular proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. MicroRNAs were also associated with multi-drug resistance of esophageal cancer. Further studies on the roles of microRNAs in esophageal cancer would provide a strategy to prevent and treat esophageal cancer, and reverse multi-drug resistance of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2nd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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20
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Garman KS, Orlando RC, Chen X. Review: Experimental models for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2012; 302:G1231-43. [PMID: 22421618 PMCID: PMC4380479 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00509.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several different cell culture systems and laboratory animal models have been used over the years to study Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Most of the existing models have key differences with the human esophagus and complex pathogenesis of disease. None of the models offers an ideal system for the complex study of environmental exposure, genetic risk, and prevention strategies. In fact, different model systems may be required to answer different specific research questions about the pathogenesis of BE and EAC. Given the high mortality associated with EAC and the fact that current screening strategies miss most cases of EAC, advances in basic and translational science related to esophageal injury, repair, and carcinogenesis are clearly needed. This review describes several of the existing and potential model systems for BE and EAC with their benefits and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S. Garman
- 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham;
| | - Roy C. Orlando
- 2Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; and
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- 3Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
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21
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Kong J, Crissey MA, Funakoshi S, Kreindler JL, Lynch JP. Ectopic Cdx2 expression in murine esophagus models an intermediate stage in the emergence of Barrett's esophagus. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18280. [PMID: 21494671 PMCID: PMC3071814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is an intestinal metaplasia that occurs in the setting of chronic acid and bile reflux and is associated with a risk for adenocarcinoma. Expression of intestine-specific transcription factors in the esophagus likely contributes to metaplasia development. Our objective was to explore the effects of an intestine-specific transcription factor when expressed in the mouse esophageal epithelium. Transgenic mice were derived in which the transcription factor Cdx2 is expressed in squamous epithelium using the murine Keratin-14 gene promoter. Effects of the transgene upon cell proliferation and differentiation, gene expression, and barrier integrity were explored. K14-Cdx2 mice express the Cdx2 transgene in esophageal squamous tissues. Cdx2 expression was associated with reduced basal epithelial cell proliferation and altered cell morphology. Ultrastructurally two changes were noted. Cdx2 expression was associated with dilated space between the basal cells and diminished cell-cell adhesion caused by reduced Desmocollin-3 mRNA and protein expression. This compromised epithelial barrier function, as the measured trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the K14-Cdx2 epithelium was significantly reduced compared to controls (1189 Ohm*cm(2) ±343.5 to 508 Ohm*cm(2)±92.48, p = 0.0532). Secondly, basal cells with features of a transitional cell type, intermediate between keratinocytes and columnar Barrett's epithelial cells, were observed. These cells had reduced keratin bundles and increased endoplasmic reticulum levels, suggesting the adoption of secretory-cell features. Moreover, at the ultrastructural level they resembled "Distinctive" cells associated with multilayered epithelium. Treatment of the K14-Cdx2 mice with 5'-Azacytidine elicited expression of BE-associated genes including Cdx1, Krt18, and Slc26a3/Dra, suggesting the phenotype could be advanced under certain conditions. We conclude that ectopic Cdx2 expression in keratinocytes alters cell proliferation, barrier function, and differentiation. These altered cells represent a transitional cell type between normal squamous and columnar BE cells. The K14-Cdx2 mice represent a useful model to study progression from squamous epithelium to BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Kong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary Ann Crissey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shinsuke Funakoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James L. Kreindler
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John P. Lynch
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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22
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Stairs DB, Kong J, Lynch JP. Cdx genes, inflammation, and the pathogenesis of intestinal metaplasia. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2010; 96:231-70. [PMID: 21075347 PMCID: PMC6005371 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381280-3.00010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a biologically interesting and clinically relevant condition in which one differentiated type of epithelium is replaced by another that is morphologically similar to normal intestinal epithelium. Two classic examples of this are gastric IM and Barrett's esophagus (BE). In both, a chronic inflammatory microenvironment, provoked either by Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach or acid and bile reflux into the esophagus, precedes the metaplasia. The Caudal-related homeodomain transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2 are critical regulators of the normal intestinal epithelial cell phenotype. Ectopic expression of Cdx1 and Cdx2 occurs in both gastric IM as well as in BE. This expression precedes the onset of the metaplasia and implies a causal role for these factors in this process. We review the observations regarding the role of chronic inflammation and the Cdx transcription factors in the pathogenesis of gastric IM and BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Stairs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Mukherji D, Benepal T. A review of in vitro and in vivo models of oesophageal and gastric cancer. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2009; 4:1267-79. [PMID: 23480466 DOI: 10.1517/17460440903410203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Oesophageal and gastric cancers are leading causes of cancer-related mortality. In the era of targeted therapy and individualized treatment strategies, novel treatments for upper-gastrointestinal cancers are only just emerging compared to significant advances in other solid tumour types such as colorectal, breast and lung cancers. Clinical trials are investigating the value of established targeted agents for the treatment of oesophageal and gastric malignancies; however none are used in routine clinical practice. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW In this review we have looked at current in vitro and in vivo models of oesophageal and gastric cancers which may improve our understanding of the biology of these tumours and lead to the development of new preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN We discuss the limitations of our current models and the challenges associated with research into these cancers. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The lack of appropriate models for drug development in oesophageal and gastric cancers has hindered the progress of targeted therapy in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Mukherji
- St Georges Hospital, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, SW170QT, UK
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