Cellular plasticity and fate determination in gastric carcinogenesis

Summary: Cellular plasticity serves as a crucial biological phenomenon in humans, integral to tissue repair and maintenance of dynamic environmental homeostasis post-injury. However, dysregulated activation of this beneficial mechanism can pave the way for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. In this review, we synthesize recent advancements concerning the properties and roles of gastric epithelial cells, with a special emphasis on cellular plasticity and fate specification during the progress of gastric tumorigenesis. Notably, the attribute of stemness is not exclusive to gastric stem cells but also extends to differentiated cells in gastric units. We delve into the extent of plasticity and changes in cellular fate that contribute to malignant transformation in both stem and mature cells within the stomach. Moreover, we explore matrix-epithelial interactions, immunological modulation, and epigenomic alterations throughout the course of gastric tumorigenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms governing plasticity and fate decisions could catalyze the development of innovative approaches for cancer prevention and antineoplastic therapies.