Table 1 Molecular and functional markers of gastric epithelial cell differentiation and maturation.
Marker | Function | Resourse | Regulatory Signals | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mist1 | bHLH transcription factor, plays a crucial role in the differentiation and function of gastric chief cells | chief cells | Gastric microenvironment and signaling molecules. | |
PGA | Directly participates in the digestion process of proteins, and serves as an indicator of gastric mucosal status | mucous neck cells of the chief cells | Gastric acid secretion, the state of the gastric mucosa, and external irritation | [167] |
PGC | PGC levels represent the quantity of gastric mucosal glands and cells; reduced levels indicate the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy | chief cells | Gastric acid concentration, gastric mucosal status, and external factors | [167] |
Gastrin | Peptide hormone secreted by gastric antral G cells, functional marker for the gastric antrum | G cells | Stimulated by food, particularly intake of proteins and peptides | |
MUC5AC | Participate in processes such as cell growth and differentiation, intercellular signal transduction, and intercellular adhesion, playing a protective and lubricating role for the mucosal epithelium | Surface pits and mucous neck cells | Pathological conditions of the stomach, hormonal and neuronal factors, as well as environmental factors | [170] |
MUC6 | Mucin protein secreted by neck mucous cells in the gastric fundus and body | neck mucous cells | Pathological conditions of the stomach, hormonal and neuronal factors, as well as environmental factors | |
MUC17 | Mucin protein secreted by surface mucous cells in the gastric antrum | neck mucous cells | Pathological conditions of the stomach, hormonal and neuronal factors, as well as environmental factors | [172] |
SOX2 | Plays a key role in the maintenance and differentiation of gastric epithelial cells | gastric epithelial stem cells and progenitor cells | Gastric microenvironment and signaling molecules. | |
TFF2 | Peptide molecule belonging to the TFF family, secreted by granule cells in the gastric antrum | granule cells | Gastric microenvironment and signaling molecules. | [175] |
Hydrochloric Acid | Activates pepsinogen, promotes the generation of pepsin, has bactericidal properties, and stimulates secretion | parietal cells | Signals from histamine, acetylcholine, and gastrin | |
Intrinsic Factor | Binds with vitamin B12, facilitates absorption in the ileum, and supports red blood cell production | parietal cells | Signals from histamine, acetylcholine, and gastrin | [178] |
H+、K+-ATPase | Proton discharge into the stomach, combining with chloride ions to form hydrochloric acid, facilitates gastric acid generation | parietal cells | Nerves, hormones, and food intake | [179] |
