Novel cell surface genes expressed in the stomach primordium during gastrointestinal morphogenesis of mouse embryos

The mechanisms of gastrointestinal morphogenesis in mammals are not well understood. This is partly due to the lack of appropriate markers that are expressed with spatiotemporal specificity in the gastrointestinal tract during development. Using mouse embryos, we surveyed markers of the prospective stomach region during gastrointestinal morphogenesis. The initiation of organ bud formation occurs at E10.5 in mice. These primordia for the digestive organs protrude from a tube-like structured endoderm and have their own distinct morphogenesis. We identified 3 cell surface genes – Adra2a, Fzd5, and Trpv6 – that are expressed in the developing stomach region during gastrointestinal morphogenesis using a microarray-based screening. These novel genes will be useful in expanding our understanding of the mechanisms of gastrointestinal development.

► 3 Novel cell surface genes expressed in the stomach primordium were identified. ► Adra2a is expressed in the mesenchyme of the mouse stomach primordium at E11.5. ► Fzd5 and Trpv6 are expressed in the epithelial layer of the stomach primordium after E11.5.