Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The lining of the stomach is a tight monolayer of epithelial cells performing functions in digestion and a protective barrier against gastric acid, toxic metabolites and infectious agents, including Helicobacter pylori. The response of the epithelial barrier to infections underlies gastric pathologies, including gastric cancer. H. pylori has the unique capacity to colonise the gastric mucosa while evading the immune system. The colonised mucosa initiates an inflammatory response to fight the infection and a strong regenerative program to avoid barrier failure and ulceration. This response changes the morphology and cell composition of the gastric epithelium and in parallel it might contribute to the accumulation of somatic mutations leading to cellular transformation. Genetically modified mice, cell lines and human-derived organoids are the main biological models to study the gastric epithelial barrier. With these models it is possible to dissect the stepwise process of tissue adaptation to infection that places the epithelium at risk of malignant transformation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.bpg.2021.101737

Type

Journal article

Journal

Best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterology

Publication Date

03/2021

Volume

50-51

Addresses

Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Electronic address: jan.traulsen@ludwig.ox.ac.uk.

Keywords

Animals, Humans, Gerbillinae, Helicobacter Infections, Stomach Neoplasms, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic, Models, Molecular