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Zhu H, Jin RU. The role of the fibroblast in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:319-327. [PMID: 38626060 PMCID: PMC11155289 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001032] [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] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the number one risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a deadly cancer with limited treatment options that has been increasing in incidence in the US. In this report, we discuss current studies on the role of mesenchyme and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in BE and EAC, and we highlight translational prospects of targeting these cells. RECENT FINDINGS New insights through studies using single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) have revealed an important emerging role of the mesenchyme in developmental signaling and cancer initiation. BE and EAC share similar stromal gene expression, as functional classifications of nonepithelial cells in BE show a remarkable similarity to EAC CAFs. Several recent sc-RNA seq studies and novel organoid fibroblast co-culture systems have characterized the subgroups of fibroblasts in BE and EAC, and have shown that these cells can directly influence the epithelium to induce BE development and cancer progression. Targeting the CAFs in EAC with may be a promising novel therapeutic strategy. SUMMARY The fibroblasts in the surrounding mesenchyme may have a direct role in influencing altered epithelial plasticity during BE development and progression to EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Beydoun AS, Stabenau KA, Altman KW, Johnston N. Cancer Risk in Barrett's Esophagus: A Clinical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076018. [PMID: 37046992 PMCID: PMC10094310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rapidly increasing in incidence and is associated with a poor prognosis. Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This review aims to explore Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and the progression from the former to the latter. An overview of the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, and risk factors for both entities are presented, with special attention being given to the areas of debate in the literature. The progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma is reviewed and the relevant molecular pathways are discussed. The definition of Barrett's esophagus remains debated and without international consensus. This, alongside other factors, has made establishing the true prevalence of Barrett's esophagus challenging. The degree of dysplasia can be a histological challenge, but is necessary to guide clinical management. The progression of BE to EAC is likely driven by inflammatory pathways, pepsin exposure, upregulation of growth factor pathways, and mitochondrial changes. Surveillance is maintained through serial endoscopic evaluation, with shorter intervals recommended for high-risk features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sam Beydoun
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kaleigh A Stabenau
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kenneth W Altman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Nikki Johnston
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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3
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Maslyonkina KS, Konyukova AK, Alexeeva DY, Sinelnikov MY, Mikhaleva LM. Barrett's esophagus: The pathomorphological and molecular genetic keystones of neoplastic progression. Cancer Med 2022; 11:447-478. [PMID: 34870375 PMCID: PMC8729054 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus is a widespread chronically progressing disease of heterogeneous nature. A life threatening complication of this condition is neoplastic transformation, which is often overlooked due to lack of standardized approaches in diagnosis, preventative measures and treatment. In this essay, we aim to stratify existing data to show specific associations between neoplastic transformation and the underlying processes which predate cancerous transition. We discuss pathomorphological, genetic, epigenetic, molecular and immunohistochemical methods related to neoplasia detection on the basis of Barrett's esophagus. Our review sheds light on pathways of such neoplastic progression in the distal esophagus, providing valuable insight into progression assessment, preventative targets and treatment modalities. Our results suggest that molecular, genetic and epigenetic alterations in the esophagus arise earlier than cancerous transformation, meaning the discussed targets can help form preventative strategies in at-risk patient groups.
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4
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Janmaat VT, Nesteruk K, Spaander MCW, Verhaar AP, Yu B, Silva RA, Phillips WA, Magierowski M, van de Winkel A, Stadler HS, Sandoval-Guzmán T, van der Laan LJW, Kuipers EJ, Smits R, Bruno MJ, Fuhler GM, Clemons NJ, Peppelenbosch MP. HOXA13 in etiology and oncogenic potential of Barrett's esophagus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3354. [PMID: 34099670 PMCID: PMC8184780 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23641-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus in gastrointestinal reflux patients constitutes a columnar epithelium with distal characteristics, prone to progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma. HOX genes are known mediators of position-dependent morphology. Here we show HOX collinearity in the adult gut while Barrett's esophagus shows high HOXA13 expression in stem cells and their progeny. HOXA13 overexpression appears sufficient to explain both the phenotype (through downregulation of the epidermal differentiation complex) and the oncogenic potential of Barrett's esophagus. Intriguingly, employing a mouse model that contains a reporter coupled to the HOXA13 promotor we identify single HOXA13-positive cells distally from the physiological esophagus, which is mirrored in human physiology, but increased in Barrett's esophagus. Additionally, we observe that HOXA13 expression confers a competitive advantage to cells. We thus propose that Barrett's esophagus and associated esophageal adenocarcinoma is the consequence of expansion of this gastro-esophageal HOXA13-expressing compartment following epithelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent T Janmaat
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kateryna Nesteruk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon C W Spaander
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Auke P Verhaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bingting Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo A Silva
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wayne A Phillips
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery (St. Vincent's Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcin Magierowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Anouk van de Winkel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Scott Stadler
- Department of Skeletal Biology, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst J Kuipers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco J Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gwenny M Fuhler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas J Clemons
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Kunze B, Middelhoff M, Maurer HC, Agibalova T, Anand A, Bührer AM, Fang HY, Baumeister T, Steiger K, Strangmann J, Schmid RM, Wang TC, Quante M. Notch signaling drives development of Barrett's metaplasia from Dclk1-positive epithelial tuft cells in the murine gastric mucosa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4509. [PMID: 33627749 PMCID: PMC7904766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), but its cellular origin and mechanism of neoplastic progression remain unresolved. Notch signaling, which plays a key role in regulating intestinal stem cell maintenance, has been implicated in a number of cancers. The kinase Dclk1 labels epithelial post-mitotic tuft cells at the squamo-columnar junction (SCJ), and has also been proposed to contribute to epithelial tumor growth. Here, we find that genetic activation of intracellular Notch signaling in epithelial Dclk1-positive tuft cells resulted in the accelerated development of metaplasia and dysplasia in a mouse model of BE (pL2.Dclk1.N2IC mice). In contrast, genetic ablation of Notch receptor 2 in Dclk1-positive cells delayed BE progression (pL2.Dclk1.N2fl mice), and led to increased secretory cell differentiation. The accelerated BE progression in pL2.Dclk1.N2IC mice correlated with changes to the transcriptomic landscape, most notably for the activation of oncogenic, proliferative pathways in BE tissues, in contrast to upregulated Wnt signalling in pL2.Dclk1.N2fl mice. Collectively, our data show that Notch activation in Dclk1-positive tuft cells in the gastric cardia can contribute to BE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Kunze
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Middelhoff
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - H Carlo Maurer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tatiana Agibalova
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Akanksha Anand
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne-Marie Bührer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hsin-Yu Fang
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Baumeister
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Strangmann
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland M Schmid
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Quante
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Gastrointestinale Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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6
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Bornschein J, Quante M, Jansen M. The complexity of cancer origins at the gastro-oesophageal junction. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 50-51:101729. [PMID: 33975686 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2021.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic acid-biliary reflux and Helicobacter pylori infection are instrumental environmental drivers of cancer initiation and progression in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Remarkably, although these environmental carcinogens are quite dissimilar, the tumour progression cascade these carcinogens engender is highly comparable. For this reason, studies of malignant progression occurring at the anatomic borderland between the oesophagus and the stomach have traditionally lumped junctional adenocarcinomas with either oesophageal adenocarcinoma or gastric adenocarcinoma. Whilst studies have revealed remarkable epidemiological and genetic similarities of these cancers and their associated premalignant conditions, these works have also revealed some key differences. This highlights that further scientific effort demands a dedicated focus on the understanding of the cell-cell interaction between the epithelium and the local microenvironment in this anatomic region. We here review available evidence with regards to tumour progression occurring at the gastro-oesophageal junction and contrast it with available data on cancer evolution in the metaplastic oesophagus and distal stomach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bornschein
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael Quante
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Li Y, Li Y, Chen X. NOTCH and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1287:59-68. [PMID: 33034026 PMCID: PMC7895477 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55031-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease that requires extensive research on its mechanisms, prevention, and therapy. Recent studies have shown that NOTCH mutations are commonly seen in human ESCC. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the NOTCH pathway in normal esophagus and in ESCC. In normal esophagus, NOTCH pathway regulates the development of esophageal squamous epithelium, in particular, squamous differentiation. Exposure to extrinsic and intrinsic factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux, alcohol drinking, and inflammation, downregulates the NOTCH pathway and thus inhibits squamous differentiation of esophageal squamous epithelial cells. In ESCC, NOTCH plays a dual role as both a tumor suppressor pathway and an oncogenic pathway. In summary, further studies are warranted to develop NOTCH activators for the prevention of ESCC and NOTCH inhibitors for targeted therapy of a subset of ESCC with activated NOTCH pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yahui Li
- Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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8
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Kunze B, Wein F, Fang HY, Anand A, Baumeister T, Strangmann J, Gerland S, Ingermann J, Münch NS, Wiethaler M, Sahm V, Hidalgo-Sastre A, Lange S, Lightdale CJ, Bokhari A, Falk GW, Friedman RA, Ginsberg GG, Iyer PG, Jin Z, Nakagawa H, Shawber CJ, Nguyen T, Raab WJ, Dalerba P, Rustgi AK, Sepulveda AR, Wang KK, Schmid RM, Wang TC, Abrams JA, Quante M. Notch Signaling Mediates Differentiation in Barrett's Esophagus and Promotes Progression to Adenocarcinoma. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:575-590. [PMID: 32325086 PMCID: PMC7484392 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Studies are needed to determine the mechanism by which Barrett's esophagus (BE) progresses to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Notch signaling maintains stem cells in the gastrointestinal tract and is dysregulated during carcinogenesis. We explored the relationship between Notch signaling and goblet cell maturation, a feature of BE, during EAC pathogenesis. METHODS We measured goblet cell density and levels of Notch messenger RNAs in BE tissues from 164 patients, with and without dysplasia or EAC, enrolled in a multicenter study. We analyzed the effects of conditional expression of an activated form of NOTCH2 (pL2.Lgr5.N2IC), conditional deletion of NOTCH2 (pL2.Lgr5.N2fl/fl), or loss of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (pL2.Lgr5.p65fl/fl), in Lgr5+ (progenitor) cells in L2-IL1B mice (which overexpress interleukin 1 beta in esophagus and squamous forestomach and are used as a model of BE). We collected esophageal and stomach tissues and performed histology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, transcriptome, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Cardia and forestomach tissues from mice were cultured as organoids and incubated with inhibitors of Notch or NF-kB. RESULTS Progression of BE to EAC was associated with a significant reduction in goblet cell density comparing nondysplastic regions of tissues from patients; there was an inverse correlation between goblet cell density and levels of NOTCH3 and JAG2 messenger RNA. In mice, expression of the activated intracellular form of NOTCH2 in Lgr5+ cells reduced goblet-like cell maturation, increased crypt fission, and accelerated the development of tumors in the squamocolumnar junction. Mice with deletion of NOTCH2 from Lgr5+ cells had increased maturation of goblet-like cells, reduced crypt fission, and developed fewer tumors. Esophageal tissues from in pL2.Lgr5.N2IC mice had increased levels of RelA (which encodes the p65 unit of NF-κB) compared to tissues from L2-IL1B mice, and we found evidence of increased NF-κB activity in Lgr5+ cells. Esophageal tissues from pL2.Lgr5.p65fl/fl mice had lower inflammation and metaplasia scores than pL2.Lgr5.N2IC mice. In organoids derived from pL2-IL1B mice, the NF-κB inhibitor JSH-23 reduced cell survival and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Notch signaling contributes to activation of NF-κB and regulates differentiation of gastric cardia progenitor cells in a mouse model of BE. In human esophageal tissues, progression of BE to EAC was associated with reduced goblet cell density and increased levels of Notch expression. Strategies to block this pathway might be developed to prevent EAC in patients with BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Kunze
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Frederik Wein
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hsin-Yu Fang
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Akanksha Anand
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Baumeister
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Strangmann
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie Gerland
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonas Ingermann
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Maria Wiethaler
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Vincenz Sahm
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Hidalgo-Sastre
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lange
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Charles J Lightdale
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Aqiba Bokhari
- Yosemite Pathology Medical Group, Modesto, California
| | - Gary W Falk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard A Friedman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gregory G Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Prasad G Iyer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Zhezhen Jin
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Carrie J Shawber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - TheAnh Nguyen
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - William J Raab
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Piero Dalerba
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Antonia R Sepulveda
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Kenneth K Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Roland M Schmid
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Julian A Abrams
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| | - Michael Quante
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universitat München, Munich, Germany.
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9
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Badgery H, Chong L, Iich E, Huang Q, Georgy SR, Wang DH, Read M. Recent insights into the biology of Barrett's esophagus. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1481:198-209. [PMID: 32681541 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the only known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Our understanding of the pathogenesis and Barrett's metaplasia is incomplete, and this has limited the development of new therapeutic targets and agents, risk stratification ability, and management strategies. This review outlines current insights into the biology of BE and addresses controversies surrounding cell of origin, cellular reprogramming theories, updates on esophageal epithelial barrier function, and the significance of goblet cell metaplasia and its association with malignant change. Further research into the basic biology of BE is vital as it will underpin novel therapies and improve our ability to predict malignant progression and help identify the minority of patients who will develop EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Badgery
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn Chong
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elhadi Iich
- Cancer Biology and Surgical Oncology Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
| | - Smitha Rose Georgy
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David H Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Centre and VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas
| | - Matthew Read
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Zhang W, Wang DH. Origins of Metaplasia in Barrett's Esophagus: Is this an Esophageal Stem or Progenitor Cell Disease? Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:2005-2012. [PMID: 29675663 PMCID: PMC6783253 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has been increasing in Western countries over the past several decades. Though Barrett's esophagus, in which the normal esophageal squamous epithelium is replaced with metaplastic intestinalized columnar cells due to chronic damage from gastroesophageal reflux, is accepted as the requisite precursor lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma, the Barrett's esophagus cell of origin and the molecular mechanism underlying esophageal epithelial metaplasia remain controversial. Much effort has been dedicated towards identifying the Barrett's esophagus cell of origin since this could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for both Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Previously, it was hypothesized that terminally differentiated esophageal squamous cells might undergo direct conversion into specialized intestinal columnar cells via the process of transdifferentiation. However, there is increasing evidence that stem and/or progenitor cells are molecularly reprogrammed through the process of transcommitment to differentiate into the columnar cell lineages that characterize Barrett's esophagus. Given that Barrett's esophagus originates at the gastroesophageal junction, the boundary between the distal esophagus and gastric cardia, potential sources of these stem and/or progenitor cells include columnar cells from the squamocolumnar junction or neighboring gastric cardia, native esophageal squamous cells, native esophageal cuboidal or columnar cells from submucosal glands or ducts, or circulating bone marrow-derived cells. In this review, we focus on native esophageal specific stem and/or progenitor cells and detail molecular mediators of transcommitment based on recent insights gained from novel mouse models and clinical observations from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Esophageal Diseases Center, Department of Internal Medicine and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - David H. Wang
- Esophageal Diseases Center, Department of Internal Medicine and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA,Medical Service, Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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11
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Notch Signaling Pathway Is Inhibited in the Development of Barrett's Esophagus: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:4149317. [PMID: 29785394 PMCID: PMC5892280 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4149317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of Notch signaling in the development of Barrett's esophagus. METHODS Patients with esophagectomy and gastric interposition were recruited as a human model of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The expressions of Notch signaling genes in normal esophagus from surgical specimen and columnar metaplasia in the esophageal remnant after esophagectomy were evaluated by real time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). For in vitro experiments, Het-1A cells were treated with hydrochloric acid, deoxycholic acid, mixture of hydrochloric acid and deoxycholic acid, or Notch1-siRNA, and expressions of Notch1, Hes1, MUC2, and K13 were evaluated via RT-qPCR and western blot. RESULTS Samples were obtained from 36 patients with columnar metaplasia in the esophageal remnant. Both IHC and RT-qPCR indicated that Notch1 and Hes1 expressions were significantly higher in normal esophagus than that in metaplasia. Hydrochloric acid and deoxycholic acid suppressed Notch1, Hes1, and K13 expressions, in concert with increasing MUC2 expressions. Notch inhibition by Notch1-siRNA contributed to the downregulation of Notch1, Hes1, and K13 expressions, whereas MUC2 expression was enhanced. CONCLUSIONS Both hydrochloric acid and deoxycholic acid could suppress Notch signaling pathway in esophageal epithelial cells, and inhibited Notch signaling has important functions in the development of Barrett's esophagus.
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Hayakawa Y, Fox JG, Wang TC. The Origins of Gastric Cancer From Gastric Stem Cells: Lessons From Mouse Models. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:331-338. [PMID: 28462375 PMCID: PMC5404024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cellular origin of digestive cancers has been a long-standing question in the cancer field. Mouse models have identified long-lived stem cells in most organ systems, including the luminal gastrointestinal tract, and numerous studies have pointed to tissue resident stem cells as the main cellular origin of cancer. During gastric carcinogenesis, chronic inflammation induces genetic and epigenetic alterations in long-lived stem cells, along with expansion of stem cell niches, eventually leading to invasive cancer. The gastric corpus and antrum have distinct stem cells and stem cell niches, suggesting differential regulation of cancer initiation at the 2 sites. In this short review, we discuss recent experimental models and human studies, which provide important insights into the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoku Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - James G. Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Timothy C. Wang, MD, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St Nicholas Avenue, Room 925, New York, New York 10032-3802. fax: (212) 851-4590.Division of Digestive and Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research CenterColumbia University Medical Center1130 St Nicholas AvenueRoom 925New YorkNew York 10032-3802
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Fazio C, Ricciardiello L. Inflammation and Notch signaling: a crosstalk with opposite effects on tumorigenesis. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2515. [PMID: 27929540 PMCID: PMC5260996 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The Notch cascade is a fundamental and highly conserved pathway able to control cell-fate. The Notch pathway arises from the interaction of one of the Notch receptors (Notch1–4) with different types of ligands; in particular, the Notch pathway can be activated canonically (through the ligands Jagged1, Jagged2, DLL1, DLL3 or DLL4) or non-canonically (through various molecules shared by other pathways). In the context of tumor biology, the deregulation of Notch signaling is found to be crucial, but it is still not clear if the activation of this pathway exerts a tumor-promoting or a tumor suppressing function in different cancer settings. Untill now, it is well known that the inflammatory compartment is critically involved in tumor progression; however, inflammation, which occurs as a physiological response to damage, can also drive protective processes toward carcinogenesis. Therefore, the role of inflammation in cancer is still controversial and needs to be further clarified. Interestingly, recent literature reports that some of the signaling molecules modulated by the cells of the immune system also belong to or interact with the canonical and non-canonical Notch pathways, delineating a possible link between Notch activation and inflammatory environment. In this review we analyze the hypothesis that specific inflammatory conditions can control the activation of the Notch pathway in terms of biological effect, partially explaining the dichotomy of both phenomena. For this purpose, we detail the molecular links reported in the literature connecting inflammation and Notch signaling in different types of tumor, with a particular focus on colorectal carcinogenesis, which represents a perfect example of context-dependent interaction between malignant transformation and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fazio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Ricciardiello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Schellnegger R, Quante A, Rospleszcz S, Schernhammer M, Höhl B, Tobiasch M, Pastula A, Brandtner A, Abrams JA, Strauch K, Schmid RM, Vieth M, Wang TC, Quante M. Goblet Cell Ratio in Combination with Differentiation and Stem Cell Markers in Barrett Esophagus Allow Distinction of Patients with and without Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2016; 10:55-66. [PMID: 27807078 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-16-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is mirrored by the increasing prevalence of Barrett esophagus, a precursor lesion resulting in a large number of individuals "at risk" for this lethal malignancy. Among patients with Barrett esophagus, only about 0.3% annually will develop EAC. Because large numbers of patients are followed in endoscopic surveillance, there is a need for risk prediction among a growing population of patients with Barrett esophagus. We identified four potential biomarkers from an inflammation (IL1β)-dependent mouse model of Barrett esophagus and tested them in 189 patients with Barrett esophagus with and without high-grade dysplasia (HGD)/early cancer (T1). The primary goal was to distinguish patients with Barrett esophagus with no evidence of dysplasia from those with dysplasia. Increasing stem cell marker LGR5 and niche cell marker DCLK1 and decreasing differentiation marker (secretory mucus cells, TFF2+ cells) correlated with elevated tumor score in the mouse. Having outlined the origin of those markers in the Barrett esophagus mouse model, we showed the applicability for human Barrett esophagus. We compared 94 patients with nondysplastic Barrett esophagus tissue with 95 patients with Barrett esophagus and HGD or early cancer. Low levels of TFF2 (AUC 87.2%) provided the best discrimination between nondysplastic Barrett esophagus and Barrett esophagus with cancer, followed by high levels of DCLK1 (AUC 83.4%), low goblet cell ratio (AUC 79.4%), and high LGR5 (AUC 71.4%). The goblet cell ratio, rather than the presence of goblet cells per se, was found to be an important discriminator. These findings may be useful in developing future risk prediction models for patients with Barrett esophagus and ultimately to improve EAC surveillance. Cancer Prev Res; 10(1); 55-66. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schellnegger
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Quante
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Genetic Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Rospleszcz
- Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martina Schernhammer
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Höhl
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Tobiasch
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Pastula
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Brandtner
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian A Abrams
- Department of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Konstantin Strauch
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Genetic Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Roland M Schmid
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Klinikum Bayreuth, Institut für Pathologie, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael Quante
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany.
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Brandtner AK, Quante M. Risk prediction in Barrett's esophagus - aspects of a combination of molecular and epidemiologic biomarkers reflecting alterations of the microenvironment. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2016; 245:S63-S69. [PMID: 27467504 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2016.1210327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a chronic, metaplastic lesion of the esophagus and the only known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The identification of risk factors to assess the risk for BE and their correspondence with hallmarks of malignant progression for early stratification purposes is critically needed. Data legitimate the assumption that aside of reflux symptoms and related conditions, also demographic and environmental factors are thought to be associated with the risk for BE and its progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Molecular biomarkers and inflammatory mechanisms are subjects of intensive research and dispone of promising features regarding risk assessment especially for progressive BE. The amount of investigated epidemiologic factors, as well as discovered biomarkers gets confusingly large. Despite the recognized potential relevance of environmental and molecular factors, the efforts to date have resulted in moderately applicable risk estimates. More prospective data is needed to allow an imputation of the mostly retrospectively assessed factors to reappraise their meaningfulness in risk prediction approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Brandtner
- a II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar , Technische Universität München , Munich , Germany
- b Inflammation Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine I , Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Michael Quante
- a II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar , Technische Universität München , Munich , Germany
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Bile acids induce Delta-like 1 expression via Cdx2-dependent pathway in the development of Barrett's esophagus. J Transl Med 2016; 96:325-37. [PMID: 26568294 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between the Notch signaling pathway and Caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) has important roles in the development of Barrett's esophagus (BE). We investigated the expression and function of the Notch signaling ligand Delta-like 1 (Dll1) during the development of BE. We determined the expression levels of Dll1 and intracellular signaling molecules related to Notch signaling ((Notch1, Hairy/enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), and Atonal homolog 1 (ATOH1)) in human esophageal squamous and Barrett's epithelium samples. Next, those expression levels in esophageal squamous cells (Het-1A) and Barrett's esophageal cells (CP-A and BAR-T) following stimulation with either bile acids or gamma-secretase inhibitor were investigated. Finally, changes in those expression levels following transfection of a Cdx2 or Dll1 expression vector into Het-1A cells were examined. In addition, changes in those expression levels following knockdown of Cdx2 or Dll1 in CP-A cells were also examined. Dll1 was found to be upregulated and localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm in BE. Bile acids enhanced cytoplasmic expression of Dll1 in CP-A cells, while cleaved Notch1 expression did not change, suggesting lack of a Dll1 agonistic effect on Notch signaling. Cells transfected with Cdx2 revealed significantly enhanced Dll1, while forced expression of Dll1 enhanced ATOH1, Cdx2, and MUC2 expression levels. Nevertheless, enhanced Dll1 did not induce Hes1 expression, suggesting that Dll1 may primarily function as an intracellular signaling molecule and not a Notch agonistic ligand in the canonical pathway. In addition, knockdown of Cdx2 completely abrogated any increase in Dll1 expression upon treatment with bile acids. Our results revealed a novel function of Dll1: facilitation of intestinal metaplasia in conjunction with Cdx2 expression. Furthermore, they suggest that intracellular induction of Dll1 expression in esophageal epithelial cells due to Cdx2 induction in response to bile acids has important roles in BE development.
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Wang DH, Souza RF. Transcommitment: Paving the Way to Barrett's Metaplasia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 908:183-212. [PMID: 27573773 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41388-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus is the condition in which metaplastic columnar epithelium that predisposes to cancer development replaces stratified squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus. Potential sources for the cell or tissue of origin for metaplastic Barrett's epithelium are reviewed including native esophageal differentiated squamous cells, progenitor cells native to the esophagus located within the squamous epithelium or in the submucosal glands or ducts, circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells, and columnar progenitor cells from the squamocolumnar junction or the gastric cardia that proximally shift into the esophagus to fill voids left by damaged squamous epithelium. Wherever its source the original cell must undergo molecular reprogramming (i.e., either transdifferentiation or transcommitment) to give rise to specialized intestinal metaplasia. Transcription factors that specify squamous, columnar, intestinal, and mucus-secreting epithelial differentiation are discussed. An improved understanding of how esophageal columnar metaplasia forms could lead to development of effective treatment or prevention strategies for Barrett's esophagus. It could also more broadly inform upon normal tissue development and differentiation, wound healing, and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Esophageal Diseases Center, Medical Service, VA North Texas Health Care System, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Esophageal Diseases Center, Medical Service (111B1), VA North Texas Health Care System, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 4500 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX, 75216, USA
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Vega ME, Giroux V, Natsuizaka M, Liu M, Klein-Szanto AJ, Stairs DB, Nakagawa H, Wang KK, Wang TC, Lynch JP, Rustgi AK. Inhibition of Notch signaling enhances transdifferentiation of the esophageal squamous epithelium towards a Barrett's-like metaplasia via KLF4. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:3857-66. [PMID: 25558829 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.972875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as an incomplete intestinal metaplasia characterized generally by the presence of columnar and goblet cells in the formerly stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus. BE is known as a precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Currently, the cell of origin for human BE has yet to be clearly identified. Therefore, we investigated the role of Notch signaling in the initiation of BE metaplasia. Affymetrix gene expression microarray revealed that BE samples express decreased levels of Notch receptors (NOTCH2 and NOTCH3) and one of the the ligands (JAG1). Furthermore, BE tissue microarray showed decreased expression of NOTCH1 and its downstream target HES1. Therefore, Notch signaling was inhibited in human esophageal epithelial cells by expression of dominant-negative-Mastermind-like (dnMAML), in concert with MYC and CDX1 overexpression. Cell transdifferentiation was then assessed by 3D organotypic culture and evaluation of BE-lineage specific gene expression. Notch inhibition promoted transdifferentiation of esophageal epithelial cells toward columnar-like cells as demonstrated by increased expression of columnar keratins (K8, K18, K19, K20) and glandular mucins (MUC2, MUC3B, MUC5B, MUC17) and decreased expression of squamous keratins (K5, K13, K14). In 3D culture, elongated cells were observed in the basal layer of the epithelium with Notch inhibition. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of KLF4, a potential driver of the changes observed by Notch inhibition. Interestingly, knockdown of KLF4 reversed the effects of Notch inhibition on BE-like metaplasia. Overall, Notch signaling inhibition promotes transdifferentiation of esophageal cells toward BE-like metaplasia in part via upregulation of KLF4. These results support a novel mechanism through which esophageal epithelial transdifferentiation promotes the evolution of BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Vega
- a Division of Gastroenterology; Department of Medicine ; University of Pennsylvania ; Philadelphia , PA , USA
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Srivastava A, Golden KL, Sanchez CA, Liu K, Fong PY, Li X, Cowan DS, Rabinovitch PS, Reid BJ, Blount PL, Odze RD. High Goblet Cell Count Is Inversely Associated with Ploidy Abnormalities and Risk of Adenocarcinoma in Barrett's Esophagus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133403. [PMID: 26230607 PMCID: PMC4521918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Goblet cells may represent a potentially successful adaptive response to acid and bile by producing a thick mucous barrier that protects against cancer development in Barrett's esophagus (BE). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between goblet cells (GC) and risk of progression to adenocarcinoma, and DNA content flow cytometric abnormalities, in BE patients. Experimental Design Baseline mucosal biopsies (N=2988) from 213 patients, 32 of whom developed cancer during the follow up period, enrolled in a prospective dynamic cohort of BE patients were scored in a blinded fashion, for the total number (#) of GC, mean # of GC/crypt (GC density), # of crypts with ≥ 1 GC, and the proportion of crypts with ≥1 GC, in both dysplastic and non-dysplastic epithelium separately. The relationship between these four GC parameters and DNA content flow cytometric abnormalities and adenocarcinoma outcome was compared, after adjustment for age, gender, and BE segment length. Results High GC parameters were inversely associated with DNA content flow cytometric abnormalities, such as aneuploidy, ploidy >2.7N, and an elevated 4N fraction > 6%, and with risk of adenocarcinoma. However, a Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the total # of GC and the total # crypts with ≥1 GC were the only significant GC parameters (p<0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusions The results of this study show, for the first time, an inverse relationship between high GC counts and flow cytometric abnormalities and risk of adenocarcinoma in BE. Further studies are needed to determine if GC depleted foci within esophageal columnar mucosa are more prone to neoplastic progression or whether loss of GC occurs secondary to underlying genetic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitabh Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kevin L. Golden
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Carissa A. Sanchez
- Department of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Karen Liu
- Department of Vaccine Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pui Yee Fong
- Department of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David S. Cowan
- Department of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Peter S. Rabinovitch
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brian J. Reid
- Department of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Patricia L. Blount
- Department of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert D. Odze
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Krishnadath KK, Wang KK. Molecular pathogenesis of Barrett esophagus: current evidence. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2015; 44:233-47. [PMID: 26021192 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This article focuses on recent findings on the molecular mechanisms involved in esophageal columnar metaplasia. Signaling pathways and their downstream targets activate specific transcription factors leading to the expression of columnar and the more specific intestinal-type of genes, which gives rise to Barrett metaplasia. Several animal models have been generated to validate and study these distinct molecular pathways but also to identify the Barrett progenitor cell. Currently, the many aspects involved in the development of esophageal metaplasia that have been elucidated can serve to develop novel molecular therapies to improve treatment or prevent metaplasia. Nevertheless, several key events are still poorly understood and require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausilia K Krishnadath
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
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McDonald SA, Graham TA, Lavery DL, Wright NA, Jansen M. The Barrett's Gland in Phenotype Space. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 1:41-54. [PMID: 28247864 PMCID: PMC5301147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus is characterized by the erosive replacement of esophageal squamous epithelium by a range of metaplastic glandular phenotypes. These glandular phenotypes likely change over time, and their distribution varies along the Barrett's segment. Although much recent work has addressed Barrett's esophagus from the genomic viewpoint-its genotype space-the fact that the phenotype of Barrett's esophagus is nonstatic points to conversion between phenotypes and suggests that Barrett's esophagus also exists in phenotype space. Here we explore this latter concept, investigating the scope of glandular phenotypes in Barrett's esophagus and how they exist in physical and temporal space as well as their evolution and their life history. We conclude that individual Barrett's glands are clonal units; because of this important fact, we propose that it is the Barrett's gland that is the unit of selection in phenotypic and indeed neoplastic progression. Transition between metaplastic phenotypes may be governed by neutral drift akin to niche turnover in normal and dysplastic niches. In consequence, the phenotype of Barrett's glands assumes considerable importance, and we make a strong plea for the integration of the Barrett's gland in both genotype and phenotype space in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A.C. McDonald
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor A. Graham
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle L. Lavery
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas A. Wright
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marnix Jansen
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Wang DH, Tiwari A, Kim ME, Clemons NJ, Regmi NL, Hodges WA, Berman DM, Montgomery EA, Watkins DN, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Jie C, Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Hedgehog signaling regulates FOXA2 in esophageal embryogenesis and Barrett's metaplasia. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3767-80. [PMID: 25083987 DOI: 10.1172/jci66603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metaplasia can result when injury reactivates latent developmental signaling pathways that determine cell phenotype. Barrett's esophagus is a squamous-to-columnar epithelial metaplasia caused by reflux esophagitis. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is active in columnar-lined, embryonic esophagus and inactive in squamous-lined, adult esophagus. We showed previously that Hh signaling is reactivated in Barrett's metaplasia and overexpression of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) in mouse esophageal squamous epithelium leads to a columnar phenotype. Here, our objective was to identify Hh target genes involved in Barrett's pathogenesis. By microarray analysis, we found that the transcription factor Foxa2 is more highly expressed in murine embryonic esophagus compared with postnatal esophagus. Conditional activation of Shh in mouse esophageal epithelium induced FOXA2, while FOXA2 expression was reduced in Shh knockout embryos, establishing Foxa2 as an esophageal Hh target gene. Evaluation of patient samples revealed FOXA2 expression in Barrett's metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma but not in esophageal squamous epithelium or squamous cell carcinoma. In esophageal squamous cell lines, Hh signaling upregulated FOXA2, which induced expression of MUC2, an intestinal mucin found in Barrett's esophagus, and the MUC2-processing protein AGR2. Together, these data indicate that Hh signaling induces expression of genes that determine an intestinal phenotype in esophageal squamous epithelial cells and may contribute to the development of Barrett's metaplasia.
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Tian L, Qu M, Wang Y, Duan H, Di G, Xie L, Zhou Q. Inductive differentiation of conjunctival goblet cells by γ-secretase inhibitor and construction of recombinant conjunctival epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2014; 123:37-42. [PMID: 24746620 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
γ-secretase inhibitor has been shown to promote intestinal goblet cell differentiation. We now demonstrated that the in vitro addition of γ-secretase inhibitor in the culture of human conjunctival epithelial cells significantly promoted the differentiation of conjunctival goblet cells with typical droplet-like phenotype, positive periodic acid-Schiff and goblet cell-specific Muc5Ac, cytokeratin 7 and Helix pomatia agglutinin lectin staining. Moreover, topical application of γ-secretase inhibitor promoted the differentiation of mouse conjunctival goblet cells in vivo. Furthermore, the expression of Notch target gene HES-1 was down-regulated during the differentiation of conjunctival goblet cells. In addition, we found that the recombinant conjunctival epithelium on amniotic membrane showed less goblet cell density and abnormal location when compared with normal conjunctival epithelium, which were improved by the addition of γ-secretase inhibitor in the final induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Tian
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingli Qu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Guohu Di
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 5 Yan'erdao Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Modeling colorectal cancer as a 3-dimensional disease in a dish: the case for drug screening using organoids, zebrafish, and fruit flies. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2014; 10:e73-81. [PMID: 24050233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses recent shifts in the understanding of colorectal cancer as a stem cell based disease, based on findings that tie patient prognosis to the presence of cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors. Currently no drugs specifically target CSCs in colorectal tumors. However, recent advances in the culturing of colorectal stem cells using mammalian organoids, zebrafish, and Drosophila offer promising avenues for anti-CSC drug discovery.
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Gibson MK, Dhaliwal AS, Clemons NJ, Phillips WA, Dvorak K, Tong D, Law S, Pirchi ED, Räsänen J, Krasna MJ, Parikh K, Krishnadath KK, Chen Y, Griffiths L, Colleypriest BJ, Farrant JM, Tosh D, Das KM, Bajpai M. Barrett's esophagus: cancer and molecular biology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1300:296-314. [PMID: 24117650 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The following paper on the molecular biology of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentaries on signaling pathways central to the development of BE including Hh, NF-κB, and IL-6/STAT3; surgical approaches for esophagectomy and classification of lesions by appropriate therapy; the debate over the merits of minimally invasive esophagectomy versus open surgery; outcomes for patients with pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy; the applications of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy; animal models examining the surgical models of BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma; the roles of various morphogens and Cdx2 in BE; and the use of in vitro BE models for chemoprevention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Gibson
- Department of Medicine and Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Arashinder S Dhaliwal
- Department of Medicine and Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicholas J Clemons
- Surgical Oncology Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wayne A Phillips
- Surgical Oncology Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katerina Dvorak
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Daniel Tong
- Division of Esophageal and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Law
- Division of Esophageal and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - E Daniel Pirchi
- Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital Britanico de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jari Räsänen
- Division of General Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark J Krasna
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey
| | - Kaushal Parikh
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and Centre for Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kausilia K Krishnadath
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and Centre for Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | | | - J Mark Farrant
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - David Tosh
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Kiron M Das
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Manisha Bajpai
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-RWJMS, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Seffer I, Nemeth Z, Hoffmann G, Matics R, Seffer AG, Koller A. Unexplored potentials of epigenetic mechanisms of plants and animals-theoretical considerations. GENETICS & EPIGENETICS 2013; 5:23-41. [PMID: 25512705 PMCID: PMC4222336 DOI: 10.4137/geg.s11752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Morphological and functional changes of cells are important for adapting to environmental changes and associated with continuous regulation of gene expressions. Genes are regulated–in part–by epigenetic mechanisms resulting in alternating patterns of gene expressions throughout life. Epigenetic changes responding to the environmental and intercellular signals can turn on/off specific genes, but do not modify the DNA sequence. Most epigenetic mechanisms are evolutionary conserved in eukaryotic organisms, and several homologs of epigenetic factors are present in plants and animals. Moreover, in vitro studies suggest that the plant cytoplasm is able to induce a nuclear reassembly of the animal cell, whereas others suggest that the ooplasm is able to induce condensation of plant chromatin. Here, we provide an overview of the main epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression and discuss fundamental epigenetic mechanisms and factors functioning in both plants and animals. Finally, we hypothesize that animal genome can be reprogrammed by epigenetic factors from the plant protoplast.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoltan Nemeth
- Seffer-Renner Medical Clinic, Budapest, Hungary. ; Department of Pathophysiology and Gerontology, Medical School, and Szentagothai Res Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gyula Hoffmann
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Robert Matics
- Department of Pathophysiology and Gerontology, Medical School, and Szentagothai Res Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Gergely Seffer
- Surgery Clinic, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Akos Koller
- Department of Pathophysiology and Gerontology, Medical School, and Szentagothai Res Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. ; Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla NY, USA
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Clemons NJ, Phillips WA, Lord RV. Signaling pathways in the molecular pathogenesis of adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. Cancer Biol Ther 2013; 14:782-95. [PMID: 23792587 PMCID: PMC3909547 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.25362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops in response to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease through the precursor lesion Barrett esophagus, in which the normal squamous epithelium is replaced by a columnar lining. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the United States has increased by over 600% in the past 40 years and the overall survival rate remains less than 20% in the community. This review highlights some of the signaling pathways for which there is some evidence of a role in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. An increasingly detailed understanding of the biology of this cancer has emerged recently, revealing that in addition to the well-recognized alterations in single genes such as p53, p16, APC, and telomerase, there are interactions between the components of the reflux fluid, the homeobox gene Cdx2, and the Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Clemons
- Surgical Oncology Research Laboratory; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (St. Vincent's Hospital); University of Melbourne; Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wayne A Phillips
- Surgical Oncology Research Laboratory; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery (St. Vincent's Hospital); University of Melbourne; Melbourne, Australia
| | - Reginald V Lord
- St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research; Sydney, Australia; Notre Dame University School of Medicine; Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
The small and large intestines are tubular organs composed of several tissue types. The columnar epithelium that lines the inner surface of the intestines distinguishes the digestive physiology of each region of the intestine and consists of several distinct cell types that are rapidly and continually renewed by intestinal stem cells that reside near the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn. Notch signaling controls the fate of intestinal stem cells by regulating the expression of Hes genes and by repressing Atoh1. Alternate models of Notch pathway control of cell fate determination are presented. Roles for Notch signaling in development of the intestine, including mesenchymal and neural cells, are discussed. The oncogenic activities of Notch in colorectal cancer, as well as the tumor suppressive activities of Atoh1, are reviewed. Therapeutic targeting of the Notch pathway in colorectal cancers is discussed, along with potential caveats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeko K Noah
- Division of Gastroenterology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Quante M, Abrams JA, Lee Y, Wang TC. Barrett esophagus: what a mouse model can teach us about human disease. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:4328-38. [PMID: 23095673 DOI: 10.4161/cc.22485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rapidly rising in the western world and accounts for 2% of all cancer-related deaths. The precursor lesion for EAC is Barrett esophagus (BE), which is strongly associated with gastresophageal reflux disease. A major limitation to the study of EAC has been the absence of tractable and genetically modifiable preclinical models of BE. A mouse model of BE and EAC that resembles human disease could provide novel insights into the origins and molecular pathogenesis of BE. In addition, validated animal models could help stratify BE patients given the limited predictive power of current standard endoscopic measures and clinical assessment. Here, we review the findings from recently developed mouse models of BE and EAC and their impact on clinical decision making, surveillance programs and therapeutic options. The data, taken together, suggest potential origins of BE from the gastric cardia, a role of bile acid and hypergatrinemia for carcinogenesis, a growing importance for columnar-like epithelium and a critical role for Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quante
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, München, Germany.
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Notch signaling pathway and Cdx2 expression in the development of Barrett's esophagus. J Transl Med 2012; 92:896-909. [PMID: 22449796 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2012.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cdx2 expression in esophageal stem cells induced by reflux bile acids may be an important factor for development of Barrett's esophagus, whereas Notch signaling is a molecular signaling pathway that plays an important role in the determination of cell differentiation. ATOH1 (a factor associated with Notch signaling) plays an important role in differentiation of stem cells into goblet cells. However, the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and Cdx2 expression in the development of Barrett's esophagus has not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between Notch signaling and Cdx2 in esophageal epithelial cells. The expressions of Cdx2, MUC2, and intracellular signaling molecules related to Notch signaling (Notch1, Hes1, and ATOH1) were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical staining with biopsy specimens obtained from esophageal intestinal metaplasia (IM) with goblet cells (IM⁺) and columnar epithelium not accompanied by goblet cells (IM⁻). For in vitro experiments, we employed human esophageal epithelial cell lines (OE33, OE19, and Het-1A). After forced Cdx2 expression by applying a Cdx2 expression vector to the cells, changes in the expressions of Notch1, Hes1, ATOH1, Cdx2, and MUC2 were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Changes in expressions of Notch1, Hes1, ATOH1, Cdx2, and MUC2 in cells were analyzed following stimulation with bile acids in the presence or absence of Cdx2 blocking with Cdx2-siRNA. Suppressed Hes1 and enhanced ATOH1 and MUC2 expressions were identified in IM⁺ specimens. Forced expression of Cdx2 in cells suppressed Hes1, and enhanced ATOH1 and MUC2 expressions, whereas bile acids suppressed Hes1, and enhanced ATOH1, Cdx2, and MUC2 expressions. On the other hand, these effects were blocked by siRNA-based Cdx2 downregulation. Enhanced expression of Cdx2 by stimulation with bile acids may induce intestinal differentiation of esophageal columnar cells by interaction with the Notch signaling pathway.
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Fitzgerald RC. Do transcription factors hold the key to understanding the development of Barrett's esophagus? Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:830-1. [PMID: 22367064 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Math1/Atoh1 contributes to intestinalization of esophageal keratinocytes by inducing the expression of Muc2 and Keratin-20. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:845-57. [PMID: 22147253 PMCID: PMC3407817 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-011-1998-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal intestinal metaplasia, also known as Barrett's esophagus, is the replacement of the normal epithelium with one that resembles the intestine morphologically. Generally, this includes intestinal mucin-secreting goblet cells. Barrett's esophagus is an important risk factor for adenocarcinoma development. In-vitro models for Barrett's esophagus have not, to date, focused on the induction of goblet cells in Barrett's epithelium. AIMS To explore the contribution of Math1/Atoh1 to induction of Barrett's esophagus and intestinal mucin-secreting goblet cells from normal human esophageal epithelium. METHODS We explored the level and pattern of Math1/Atoh1 mRNA and protein expression in human Barrett's esophagus. Then, using retroviral-mediated gene expression, we induced Math1 mRNA and protein expression in a human esophageal keratinocyte cell line. We evaluated the effects of this ectopic Math1 expression on cell proliferation and gene expression patterns in cells cultured under two-dimensional and three-dimensional tissue-engineering conditions. RESULTS Math1/Atoh1 mRNA and protein are detected in human Barrett's esophagus specimens, but the mRNA levels vary substantially. In the keratinocyte expression studies, we observed that Math1/Atoh1 ectopic expression significantly reduced cell proliferation and altered cell morphology. Moreover, Math1/Atoh1 expression is associated with a more intestinalized gene expression pattern that is distinct from that reported in after studies using other intestinal transcription factors. Most significantly, we observe the induction of the Barrett's esophagus markers Mucin-2 and Keratin-20 with Math1/Atoh1 expression. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ectopic Math1/Atoh1 expression makes unique contributions to intestinalization of the esophageal epithelium in Barrett's esophagus.
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Quante M, Bhagat G, Abrams J, Marache F, Good P, Lee MD, Lee Y, Friedman R, Asfaha S, Dubeykovskaya Z, Mahmood U, Figueiredo JL, Kitajewski J, Shawber C, Lightdale C, Rustgi AK, Wang TC. Bile acid and inflammation activate gastric cardia stem cells in a mouse model of Barrett-like metaplasia. Cancer Cell 2012; 21:36-51. [PMID: 22264787 PMCID: PMC3266546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) arises from Barrett esophagus (BE), intestinal-like columnar metaplasia linked to reflux esophagitis. In a transgenic mouse model of BE, esophageal overexpression of interleukin-1β phenocopies human pathology with evolution of esophagitis, Barrett-like metaplasia and EAC. Histopathology and gene signatures closely resembled human BE, with upregulation of TFF2, Bmp4, Cdx2, Notch1, and IL-6. The development of BE and EAC was accelerated by exposure to bile acids and/or nitrosamines, and inhibited by IL-6 deficiency. Lgr5(+) gastric cardia stem cells present in BE were able to lineage trace the early BE lesion. Our data suggest that BE and EAC arise from gastric progenitors due to a tumor-promoting IL-1β-IL-6 signaling cascade and Dll1-dependent Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quante
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München
- Corresponding authors: Timothy C. Wang, M.D., Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, Room 925, 9th Floor; New York, NY 10032, Phone: (212) 851-4581; Fax: (212) 851-4590; . Michael Quante, M.D., II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Phone: +49 89 4140 6795; Fax: +49 89 4140 6796;
| | - Govind Bhagat
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Julian Abrams
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Frederic Marache
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Pamela Good
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michele D. Lee
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Yoomi Lee
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Richard Friedman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Samuel Asfaha
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Zinaida Dubeykovskaya
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jose-Luiz Figueiredo
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jan Kitajewski
- Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Carrie Shawber
- Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Charles Lightdale
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Genetics, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Irving Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Corresponding authors: Timothy C. Wang, M.D., Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, Room 925, 9th Floor; New York, NY 10032, Phone: (212) 851-4581; Fax: (212) 851-4590; . Michael Quante, M.D., II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 München, Phone: +49 89 4140 6795; Fax: +49 89 4140 6796;
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Guilmeau S. Notch signaling and intestinal cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 727:272-88. [PMID: 22399355 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0899-4_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a substantial body of evidence has accumulated to support the notion that signaling pathways known to be important during embryonic development play important roles in regulating self-renewing tissues and tumorigenesis. In this context, Notch signaling is now recognized as essential for maintaining progenitor/ stem cell population as well as for regulating cell lineage differentiation in the normal intestinal mucosa. Many studies have also showed that Notch signaling is constitutively activated in colorectal cancer and its inhibition is able to suppress the cell growth and sensitize cancer cells to treatment-induced apoptosis. Therefore, discovery of the role of γ-secretase in the Notch signaling activation has prompted intensive research on the potential use of γ-secretase inhibitors in the treatment of colon cancer. This chapter reviews the current understanding and research findings of the role of Notch signaling in intestinal homeostasis and colorectal cancer and discusses the possible Notch targeting approaches as novel molecular therapy for intestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Guilmeau
- Département d'Endocrinologie, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
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Chen H, Fang Y, Tevebaugh W, Orlando RC, Shaheen NJ, Chen X. Molecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus. Dig Dis Sci 2011; 56:3405-20. [PMID: 21984436 PMCID: PMC3750118 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-011-1885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as the metaplastic conversion of esophageal squamous epithelium to intestinalized columnar epithelium. As a premalignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), BE develops as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many studies have been conducted to understand the molecular mechanisms of this disease. This review summarizes recent results involving squamous and intestinal transcription factors, signaling pathways, stromal factors, microRNAs, and other factors in the development of BE. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide future studies. We expect elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of BE to help in the development of improved management of GERD, BE, and EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Cancer Research Program, JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Yu Fang
- Cancer Research Program, JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Whitney Tevebaugh
- Cancer Research Program, JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Roy C. Orlando
- Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7080, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Shaheen
- Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7080, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Cancer Research Program, JLC-BBRI, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA,Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7080, USA,Corresponding authors: Xiaoxin Luke Chen, MD, PhD, Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, 700 George Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA. Tel: 919-530-6425; Fax: 919-530-7780;
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Sato T, Stange DE, Ferrante M, Vries RGJ, Van Es JH, Van den Brink S, Van Houdt WJ, Pronk A, Van Gorp J, Siersema PD, Clevers H. Long-term expansion of epithelial organoids from human colon, adenoma, adenocarcinoma, and Barrett's epithelium. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:1762-72. [PMID: 21889923 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2502] [Impact Index Per Article: 192.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We previously established long-term culture conditions under which single crypts or stem cells derived from mouse small intestine expand over long periods. The expanding crypts undergo multiple crypt fission events, simultaneously generating villus-like epithelial domains that contain all differentiated types of cells. We have adapted the culture conditions to grow similar epithelial organoids from mouse colon and human small intestine and colon. METHODS Based on the mouse small intestinal culture system, we optimized the mouse and human colon culture systems. RESULTS Addition of Wnt3A to the combination of growth factors applied to mouse colon crypts allowed them to expand indefinitely. Addition of nicotinamide, along with a small molecule inhibitor of Alk and an inhibitor of p38, were required for long-term culture of human small intestine and colon tissues. The culture system also allowed growth of mouse Apc-deficient adenomas, human colorectal cancer cells, and human metaplastic epithelia from regions of Barrett's esophagus. CONCLUSIONS We developed a technology that can be used to study infected, inflammatory, or neoplastic tissues from the human gastrointestinal tract. These tools might have applications in regenerative biology through ex vivo expansion of the intestinal epithelia. Studies of these cultures indicate that there is no inherent restriction in the replicative potential of adult stem cells (or a Hayflick limit) ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Sato
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW and University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Droy-Dupré L, Vallée M, Bossard C, Laboisse CL, Jarry A. A multiparametric approach to monitor the effects of γ-secretase inhibition along the whole intestinal tract. Dis Model Mech 2011; 5:107-14. [PMID: 21885452 PMCID: PMC3255549 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.007591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) have been recently proposed as chemopreventive agents in gastrointestinal neoplasia, because they lead, through inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway, to goblet cell conversion in some intestinal adenomas of the ApcMin mice, and halt epithelial cell proliferation. In this study, we examine in depth, in normal mice, the effects of a GSI, dibenzazepine (DBZ), intraperitoneally administered for 8 days at a non toxic dose, on the gene expression pattern of secretory mucin (MUC), goblet cell conversion, organization of the crypt structural-proliferative units, stem cell niche and apoptotic compartments, along the entire length of the small intestine and colon. We demonstrate that DBZ elicits a homogeneous goblet cell conversion all along the mouse intestinal tract, associated with an overexpression of the gene Muc2 without ectopic expression of the gastric genes Muc5ac and Muc6, and with the emergence of lysozyme-positive ‘intermediate cells’ in the colon. Furthermore, DBZ treatment induces a heterogeneous reorganization of the crypt structural-proliferative units along the intestinal tract and of the stem cell niche in the colon, without disturbing the apoptotic compartment. These findings point to uncoupled effects of a GSI on goblet cell conversion and reorganization of the intestinal crypt structural-proliferative units and stem cell niche, and suggest caution in the use of GSIs as chemopreventive agents for intestinal neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Droy-Dupré
- EA 4273 Biometadys, Université de Nantes, Faculté de Médecine, Nantes F-44035, France
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Mendelson J, Song S, Li Y, Maru DM, Mishra B, Davila M, Hofstetter WL, Mishra L. Dysfunctional transforming growth factor-β signaling with constitutively active Notch signaling in Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2011; 117:3691-702. [PMID: 21305538 PMCID: PMC3236645 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal adenocarcinoma is often considered to arise from a clonal stem-like population of cells, which is potentially responsible for its poor prognosis. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and Notch signaling pathways play important roles in regulating self-renewal of stem cells and cell-fate determination. Both pathways are frequently implicated in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. However, their contributions to esophageal adenocarcinoma remain unclear. METHODS We evaluated TGF-β and Notch signaling components in normal esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines via immunohistochemical analysis and immunoblotting; Hes-1 transcription was assayed using a Hes-1 luciferase reporter. RESULTS We observed loss of Smad4 (P<.05) and β2 spectrin (β2SP) (P<.01) in 5/10 Barrett's esophagus and 17/22 adenocarcinoma tissue sections. Concomitantly, dramatically raised levels of Notch signaling components Hes1 and Jagged1 occurred in adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines compared with normal tissues. In normal esophagus, Oct3/4-positive cells are located in the basal layer (2-3 per cluster), representing a pool of progenitor cells. We observed an expansion of this pool of Oct3/4 positive cells in esophageal adenocarcinoma (15 per cluster). Furthermore, a panel of SOXs proteins documented for stem cell markers exhibit increased expression in tumor cells, indicating expansion of putative cancer stem cells. Finally, we observed growth inhibition in BE3 cells with a γ-secretase inhibitor, but not in SKGT-4 cells. Unlike SKGT-4 cells, BE3 cells have activated Notch signaling with disruption of TGF-β signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated a potential therapeutic value for targeted therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma in the setting of loss of β2SP/TGF-β with concomitant constitutively active Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dipen M Maru
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bibhuti Mishra
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marta Davila
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wayne L Hofstetter
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA,Correspondence to: Lopa Mishra, MD, Del&Dennis McCarthy Distinguished Professor & Chair, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, Tel: 713-794-3221, Fax: 713-745-1886,
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Xiong L, Woodward AM, Argüeso P. Notch signaling modulates MUC16 biosynthesis in an in vitro model of human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell differentiation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:5641-6. [PMID: 21508102 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-7196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Notch proteins are a family of transmembrane receptors that coordinate binary cell fate decisions and differentiation in wet-surfaced epithelia. We sought to determine whether Notch signaling contributes to maintaining mucosal homeostasis by modulating the biosynthesis of cell surface-associated mucins in an in vitro model of human corneal (HCLE) and conjunctival (HCjE) epithelial cell differentiation. METHODS HCLE and HCjE cells were grown at different stages of differentiation, representing nondifferentiated (preconfluent and confluent) and differentiated (stratified) epithelial cultures. Notch signaling was blocked with the γ-secretase inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ). The presence of Notch intracellular domains (Notch1 to Notch3) and mucin protein (MUC1, -4, -16) was evaluated by electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. Mucin gene expression was determined by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Here we demonstrate that Notch3 is highly expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated HCLE and HCjE cells, and that Notch1 and Notch2 biosynthesis is enhanced by induction of differentiation with serum-containing media. Inhibition of Notch signaling with DBZ impaired MUC16 biosynthesis in a concentration-dependent manner in undifferentiated cells at both preconfluent and confluent stages, but not in postmitotic stratified cells. In contrast to protein levels, the amount of MUC16 transcripts were not significantly reduced after DBZ treatment, suggesting that Notch regulates MUC16 posttranscriptionally. Immunoblots of DBZ-treated epithelial cells grown at different stages of differentiation revealed no differences in the levels of MUC1 and MUC4. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that MUC16 biosynthesis is posttranscriptionally regulated by Notch signaling at early stages of epithelial cell differentiation, and suggest that Notch activation contributes to maintaining a mucosal phenotype at the ocular surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Xiong
- Schepens Eye Research Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Kazanjian A, Shroyer NF. NOTCH Signaling and ATOH1 in Colorectal Cancers. CURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER REPORTS 2011; 7:121-127. [PMID: 21980310 DOI: 10.1007/s11888-011-0090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Notch receptor signaling pathway regulates expression of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor ATOH1 (Math1/Hath1) to determine cell fate in the intestine. In differentiating intestinal stem cells, high levels of Notch activity specify absorptive enterocyte/colonocyte differentiation, whereas high ATOH1 activity specifies secretory (goblet, enteroendocrine, and Paneth) cell differentiation. In colorectal cancer, ATOH1 is a tumor suppressor that is silenced in most tumors, while Notch is oncogenic and often highly active in human tumors. In other gastrointestinal malignancies with features of intestinal metaplasia, such as esophageal and gastric cancers, the Notch-ATOH1 pathway becomes activated. In cancers and preneoplastic tissues that retain the ability to activate ATOH1, therapeutic targeting of this pathway can be achieved by inhibiting Notch activity (with Notch-targeting antibodies or small-molecule inhibitors of γ-secretase). Thus, targeting the Notch-ATOH1 pathway represents a novel approach to differentiation therapy in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avedis Kazanjian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, MLC 2010, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Abstract
The past few years have brought new advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although knowledge of the genetic basis for these conditions has not yet translated into clinically useful biomarkers, the current pace of biomedical discovery holds endless possibilities for molecular medicine to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with these conditions. This article provides a useful conceptual basis for understanding the molecular events involved in the making of Barrett metaplasia and in its neoplastic progression, and provides a rationale for evaluating studies on the application of molecular medicine to the diagnosis and management of patients with Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H. Wang
- Assistant Professor, Departments of Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rhonda F. Souza
- Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
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Ohashi S, Natsuizaka M, Yashiro-Ohtani Y, Kalman RA, Nakagawa M, Wu L, Klein-Szanto AJ, Herlyn M, Diehl JA, Katz JP, Pear WS, Seykora JT, Nakagawa H. NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 coordinate esophageal squamous differentiation through a CSL-dependent transcriptional network. Gastroenterology 2010; 139:2113-23. [PMID: 20801121 PMCID: PMC2997138 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The Notch receptor family regulates cell fate through cell-cell communication. CSL (CBF-1/RBP-jκ, Su(H), Lag-1) drives canonical Notch-mediated gene transcription during cell lineage specification, differentiation, and proliferation in the hematopoietic system, the intestine, the pancreas, and the skin. However, the functional roles of Notch in esophageal squamous epithelial biology are unknown. METHODS Normal esophageal keratinocytes were stimulated with calcium chloride to induce terminal differentiation. The squamous epithelia were reconstituted in organotypic 3-dimensional culture, a form of human tissue engineering. Notch was inhibited in culture with a γ-secretase inhibitor or dominant negative mastermind-like 1 (DNMAML1). The roles of Notch receptors were evaluated by in vitro gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments. Additionally, DNMAML1 was targeted to the mouse esophagus by cytokeratin K14 promoter-driven Cre (K14Cre) recombination of Lox-STOP-Lox-DNMAML1. Notch-regulated gene expression was determined by reporter transfection, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS NOTCH1 (N1) was activated at the onset of squamous differentiation in the esophagus. Intracellular domain of N1 (ICN1) directly activated NOTCH3 (N3) transcription, inducing HES5 and early differentiation markers such as involucrin (IVL) and cytokeratin CK13 in a CSL-dependent fashion. N3 enhanced ICN1 activity and was required for squamous differentiation. Loss of Notch signaling in K14Cre;DNMAML1 mice perturbed esophageal squamous differentiation and resulted in N3 loss and basal cell hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS Notch signaling is important for esophageal epithelial homeostasis. In particular, the cross talk of N3 with N1 during differentiation provides novel, mechanistic insights into Notch signaling and squamous epithelial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Ohashi
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mitsuteru Natsuizaka
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yumi Yashiro-Ohtani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ross A. Kalman
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Momo Nakagawa
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lizi Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | | | - J. Alan Diehl
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jonathan P. Katz
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Warren S. Pear
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John T. Seykora
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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