Published online May 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i18.2736
Revised: May 2, 2013
Accepted: May 7, 2013
Published online: May 14, 2013
Processing time: 42 Days and 12 Hours
Core tip: Aberrant co-expression of Caudal-related homeodomain transcription factors (CDXs) and apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) in the epithelium of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) indicates association among these factors. Acid and bile reflux induce CDXs gene expression and can lead to formation of BE. CDX-mediated promoter activation can lead to aberrant expression of ASBT. The BE phenotype may be better than squamous epithelium to protect against refluxed acid and bile. On the other hand the BE phenotype is associated with increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Furthermore, the decreased expressions of CDXs and ASBT in high-grade esophageal dysplasia indicate that CDXs and ASBT are inhibitory factors to the progression of EAC.