Expression Pattern of Dab1, Reelin, PGP9.5 and Sox2 in the Stomach of Yotari (Dab1-/-) Mice.

Background/

Objectives

The Reelin-Dab1 signaling pathway, known for its crucial role in neurodevelopment, particularly in neuronal migration and the formation of cortical layers, has been a subject of extensive research. However, its involvement in gastrointestinal organogenesis is a relatively unexplored area. Our study investigates the expression patterns of Dab1, Reelin, PGP9.5, and Sox2 during stomach development in yotari (Dab1-/-) mice and aims to shed light on how Dab1 inactivation affects epithelial-mesenchymal signaling dynamics, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of this pathway's non-neural functions.

Methods

Embryonic stomach tissues from yotari and wild-type mice, collected at developmental stages E13.5 and E15.5, were examined by immunofluorescenceto evaluate the difference in expression of Dab1, Reelin, PGP9.5, and Sox2. Semi-quantitative scoring and quantitative image analysis were used to assess protein localization and intensity within epithelial and mesenchymal compartments.

Results

Dab1 expression was significantly increased in both the epithelium and mesenchyme of yotari mice at E13.5 and E15.5. Reelin expression in the epithelium showed a visible but statistically non-significant decrease in yotari at E15.5, while mesenchymal expression remained low and significantly lower than controls. PGP9.5 expression was significantly reduced in yotari epithelium at E13.5, then strongly upregulated at E15.5. Mesenchymal PGP9.5 remained consistently high. Sox2 showed no statistically significant changes but increased semi-quantitatively in yotari epithelium and mesenchyme at E15.5. These findings highlight compartment-specific disruptions and potential compensatory mechanisms following Dab1 inactivation.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Dab1 deficiency leads to distinct molecular changes in epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the developing stomach. The Reelin-Dab1 axis appears critical for epithelial-mesenchymal coordination, while PGP9.5 and Sox2 upregulation in yotari mice may represent potential compensatory responses that could support epithelial integrity, although this remains speculative without functional validation.