Gastric Epithelial Cell Plasticity and Molecular Mechanisms of Metaplastic Transformations in the Stomach

This research delves into the complex relationship between progenitor cells and the differentiated cell types that make up the stomach. It highlights the need for further investigation into the mechanisms governing stomach development and how these mechanisms relate to the maintenance of the stomach in a healthy state. The transition from normal gastric mucosa to metaplasia involves significant alterations in the phenotype and function of gastric epithelial cells, including stem cells, mucous neck cells, chief cells, and parietal cells. The presented literature review provides an in-depth analysis of pyloric and pseudopyloric metaplasia, along with spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia, focusing on their biological significance, underlying pathogenesis, diagnostic features, and prognostic implications. It explores the role of various gastric epithelial cell types in the pathogenesis of metaplasia, highlighting recent advances in cellular plasticity, molecular pathways, and the implications for gastric carcinogenesis.