Given that Cdx2 is expressed in BE, is required for the intestinal phenotype [10], and that ectopic expression of Cdx2 in the esophagus induces a barrier dysfunction, we hypothesized that the K14-Cdx2 transgene would synergize with the L2-IL-1β transgene and promote a more rapid progression to metaplasia and cancer. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and cancer.