New Precision Model for Barrett’s Esophagus

Chronic acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus is associated with Barrett’s metaplasia, a pre-cancerous condition. UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers report the first human organoid model that captures the molecular events that may initiate Barrett’s metaplasia, revealing how the skin-like esophagus lining becomes intestine-like. The model helps the team unravel sequential molecular mishaps that ultimately lead to one of the deadliest form of cancers, esophageal adenocarcinoma.