AIM:To characterise expression of known E-cadherin repressors;Snail,Slug and Twist in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.METHODS:E-cadherin,Slug,Snail and Twist a expression in Barrett’s metaplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma specimens was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR).Semi-quantitative munohistochemistry was used to examine cellular Iocalisation and protein levels.The effect of Slug on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was examined by transfection of Slug into an adenocarcinoma line OE33.RESULTS:Cellular Iocalisation of Slug in Barrett’s metaplasia was largely cytoplasmic whilst in adenocarcinoma it was nuclear.Semi-quantitative analysis indicated that Slug was more abundant in adenocarcinoma compared to matched Barrett’s metaplastic specimens.Snail and Twist were expressed in adenocarcinoma but were cytoplasmic in location and not induced compared to Barrett’s mucosa.These observations were supported by a studies where only Slug a was shown to be over-expressed in adenocarcinoma and inversely correlated to E-cadherin expression.Overexpression of Slug in OE33 mediated E-cadherin repression and induced the mesenchymal markers vimentin and fibronectin.CONCLUSION:Progression to adenocarcinoma is associated with increased Slug expression and this may represent a mechanism of E-cadlTerin silencing.