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Characterization of Esophageal Cancers
& Metaplasia

RESEARCH

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Lineage tracing

Background

Esophageal cancers are significant health problems that account for approximately 500,000 new cancer cases annually worldwide. If rates remain stable, 957,000 new cases and 880,000 deaths from esophageal cancer are expected in 2040.

Esophageal cancer occurs as either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. To reduce the mortality rate associated with these cancers, it is crucial to better understand the origin of esophageal cancers and the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these diseases, and translate that knowledge into novel approaches for their diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment.

Projects

The research in our laboratory is focused on two main topics:

  • Characterization of the molecular processes involved in the development of esophageal metaplasia and adenocarcinoma.

  • Identification of a molecular core in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its role in cancer growth and resistance to therapy.

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 Single cell RNA sequencing

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3D models (epithelioïds)

Methods

To address these questions, we use a multidisciplinary approach based on:

  • Transgenic mouse models

  • Conditional knockout and overexpression systems

  • Lineage tracing

  • 2D and 3D cell culture from mouse and human esophageal cells

  • Epigenetic and transcriptomic sequencing of FACS sorted cells including single cell RNA sequencing

  • 1D/2D-PAGE, kinase activity assays and mass spectrometry

  • Immunostaining, in situ hybridization and qPCR

Research in Benjamin Beck’s lab is funded by the FNRS, the WELBIO, the Worldwide cancer research, the Fondation Contre le Cancer, the Région Wallonie-Bruxelles and the Télévie.

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