The initial establishment and epithelial morphogenesis of the esophagus: a new model of tracheal–esophageal separation and transition of simple columnar into stratified squamous epithelium in the developing esophagus
Year: 2015
Type: review
Abstract: The esophagus and trachea are tubular organs that initially share a single common lumen in the anterior foregut. Several models have been proposed to explain how this single‐lumen developmental intermediate generates two tubular organs. However, new evidence suggests that these models are not comprehensive. I will first briefly review these models and then propose a novel ‘splitting and extension’ model based on our in vitro modeling of the foregut separation process. Signaling molecules (e.g., SHHs, WNTs, BMPs) and transcription factors (e.g., NKX2.1 and SOX2) are critical for the separation of the foregut. Intriguingly, some of these molecules continue to play essential roles during the transition of simple columnar into stratified squamous epithelium in the developing esophagus, and they are also closely involved in epithelial maintenance in the adults. Alterations in the levels of these molecules have been associated with the initiation and progression of several esophageal diseases and cancer in adults. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:419–430. doi: 10.1002/wdev.179 This article is categorized under: Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling Vertebrate Organogenesis > From a Tubular Primordium: Non-Branched Birth Defects > Organ Anomalies
DOI: 10.1002/wdev.179
Author: Jianwen Que
Institutions: University of Rochester Medicine, University of Rochester
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1197157834, G8499680141
OpenAlex ID: W1903158360