We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Pathway Implicated in Development of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Apr 2016
Print article
Image: A micrograph of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), H&E stain. Characteristic features are present: Abundant eosinophils—criteria vary; one common definition is: > 20 eosinophils/0.24 mm2; Papillae are elongated; papillae reach into the top 1/3 of the epithelial layer; Basal cell hyperplasia; > 3 cells thick or >15% of epithelial thickness; Spongiosis (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia).
Image: A micrograph of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), H&E stain. Characteristic features are present: Abundant eosinophils—criteria vary; one common definition is: > 20 eosinophils/0.24 mm2; Papillae are elongated; papillae reach into the top 1/3 of the epithelial layer; Basal cell hyperplasia; > 3 cells thick or >15% of epithelial thickness; Spongiosis (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia).
Scientists have identified a protein whose dysfunction appears to be involved in causing the tissue damage in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The finding may lead to improved pathology analysis, diagnostics, and specific drug therapies for patients.

In this disease eosinophils (type of white blood cells) accumulate in the esophagus, often causing difficult painful swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and poor growth. Researchers from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH, USA), led by Prof. Marc E. Rothenberg, had previously identified genetic differences associated with EoE patients that led them to focus on the CAPN14 gene, encoding calpain-14. In this new study, the team collected esophageal biopsies from EoE patients to investigate a possible role for calpain-14 in disease development. They exposed cells from the tissue biopsies to interleukin- 13 (IL-13) in order to mimic signals that may contribute to EoE development.

IL-13 caused the cells to markedly (>100x) increase production of calpain- 14, which was found to regulate the protein desmoglein-1 (DSG1), a critical component of esophagus tissue. These molecular changes may be an early step in a process that leads to inflammation and scarring in the esophagus. Furthermore, epithelial cells overexpressing CAPN14 displayed impaired architecture, characterized by acantholysis, epidermal clefting, and epidermolysis. CAPN14 overexpression impaired epithelial barrier function.

These and addition results from the study demonstrate a molecular cellular pathway that contributes to T-helper type-2 responses in mucosal epithelium. The findings suggest that controlling the production or activity of calpain-14 may prevent development of EoE, making calpain- 14 a potentially valuable drug target.

The study, by Davis BP et al., was published April 7, 2016, in the American Society for Clinical Investigation’s journal JCI Insight.

Related Links:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Systemic Autoimmune Testing Assay
BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen with MDSS

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.