Distribution of Troy (<i>Tnfrsf19</i>) in the Gastric Gland During Postnatal Development: Effects of Early Weaning

This study investigates the distribution and role of the stem cell marker Troy (Tnfrsf19) in the gastric mucosa of rats during postnatal development and the effects of early weaning. Troy, previously identified as a reserve stem cell marker in adult gastric tissues, is examined across various developmental stages from birth to adulthood. We showed that Troy+ cells are scattered throughout the gastric gland in early postnatal stages, but they become concentrated in the basal portion of the gland as the rats mature. Additionally, early weaning affects Troy expression at its gene and protein levels, altering its distribution in the gastric mucosa. This suggests that early dietary changes may disrupt the organization and function of the secondary stem cell niche in the stomach, potentially impacting gastric gland homeostasis. We also used in silico analysis to compare the molecular functions of Troy+ zymogenic and parietal cells, finding distinct roles in proliferation and secretion. The results underscore the importance of Troy in gastric development and highlight the long-term impact of early weaning on gastric tissue organization and cell proliferation dynamics.