Abstract
BACKGROUND: The proper development of embryonic stomach in human is essential for the functionality of the adult stomach. However, the key genes, biological processes, and signaling pathways that influence stomach development in human embryogenesis are not yet fully understood. METHODS: In this study, stomach samples were obtained from human embryos at developmental stages ranging from two to seven months. Through transcriptomic sequencing, we identified the differentially expressed genes and enrichment processes in the stomach at various developmental phases. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that genes associated with embryonic organ morphogenesis, digestive tract development, and gastric acid secretion displayed elevated expression during the early developmental stages. Additionally, a number of genes linked to cilium assembly and organization, peptide and hormone secretion and transportation, and immune response, showed increased expression during stomach maturation. Our findings elucidate that both the morphological and functional aspects of the stomach develop during the early stages of embryonic development. As gastric development, the stomach progressively acquires additional functions. This research provides insights into the intricate regulatory networks among the genes involved in embryonic digestive tract development, digestion and embryonic organ morphogenesis. Therefore, the formation of human embryonic stomach necessitates the synergistic regulation of a plethora of genes. Notably, this study not only identified traditionally recognized genes but also revealed many previously uncharacterized genes that play potential roles in stomach development and its functions. CONCLUSION: These findings establish a crucial basis for future studies on stomach development and the disorders arising from fetal stomach abnormalities.