Basal progenitor cells bridge the development, malignant cancers, and multiple diseases of esophagus

• Published in: Journal of cellular physiology Vol. 233; no. 5; pp. 3855 - 3866
• Main Authors: Lin, Baoshun, Xie, Fuan, Xiao, Zhangwu, Hong, Xiaoqian, Tian, Liming, Liu, Kuancan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2018
• Subjects: Animal diseases; Animal models; Animals; Barrett esophagus; Basal cells; basal progenitor cells; Cells (biology); Disease Models, Animal; Diseases; eosinophilic esophagitis; Esophageal cancer; Esophageal diseases; Esophagitis; Esophagus; Esophagus - metabolism; Esophagus - pathology; Fistulae; Foregut; Gastroesophageal reflux; Gastroesophageal Reflux - metabolism; Gastroesophageal Reflux - pathology; gastroesophageal reflux disease; Gastrointestinal diseases; Humans; Leukocytes (eosinophilic); Neoplasm Metastasis - pathology; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - pathology; Progenitor cells; Signal transduction; Stem cells; Stem Cells - cytology; Stem Cells - metabolism; Stomach; basal progenitor cells; Barrett esophagus; esophageal cancer; gastroesophageal reflux disease; eosinophilic esophagitis
• ISSN: 0021-9541; 1097-4652
• DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26136

The esophagus is a pivotal organ originating from anterior foregut that links the mouth and stomach. Moreover, its development involves precise regulation of multiple signal molecules and signal transduction pathways. After abnormal regulation of these molecules in the basal cells of the esophagus occurs, multiple diseases, including esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula, Barrett esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, and eosinophilic esophagitis, will take place as a result. Furthermore, expression changes of signal molecules or signal pathways in basal cells and the microenvironment around basal cells both can initiate the switch of malignant transformation. In this review, we highlight the molecular events underlying the transition of normal development to multiple esophageal diseases. Additionally, the animal models of esophageal development and related diseases, challenges, and strategies are extensively discussed. After abnormal regulation of these molecules in the basal cells of the esophagus occurs, multiple diseases, including esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula, Barrett esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, and eosinophilic esophagitis, will take place as a result. Furthermore, expression changes of signal molecules or signal pathways in basal cells and the microenvironment around basal cells both can initiate the switch of malignant transformation.