Oesophagus articles from across Nature Portfolio

The progression of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) from early to advanced stages requires comprehensive molecular characterisation. Here, the authors perform a proteogenomics analysis of ESCC patient samples across nine histopathological stages and three phases, identifying key alterations and paths for progression.

Achalasia is a disorder of the oesophageal smooth muscle characterized by impaired lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation and absent or spastic oesophageal body contractions. This Primer reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of achalasia, as well as patient quality of life and areas for further research.

At the squamocolumnar junction of mice and humans,a new study has identified a unique population of transitional basal cells that express molecular markers of both oesophageal stratified squamous epithelium and gastrointestinal columnar epithelium. These transitional basal cells are an attractive candidate for the cell of origin for Barrett oesophagus.

Various mechanisms eliciting symptoms in GERD and its most common phenotypic presentation, nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), have been suspected and investigated. One study now suggests that superficial nerves in the oesophageal epithelium might have a key role in the pathogenesis of NERD and could represent a potential target for topical therapies.

Since the recognition of reflux oesophagitis as a disease entity, scientists and clinicians have commonly assumed that the first step in its pathogenesis was a loss of superficial epithelial cells, brought about by caustic acid injury. However, new data suggests that it is time to reconsider this concept.