Investigation of doublecortin and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase‐like‐1‐expressing cells in the mouse stomach

Background and Aims: For lack of a definite stem cell marker, there is limited knowledge of the precise location and fate of stem cells after injury. Doublecortin and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase‐like‐1 (DCAMKL‐1) is a putative intestinal and colon stem cell marker. Our aim was to identify DCAMKL‐1‐expressing cells in the gastric epithelium and to analyze the fate of DCAMKL‐1‐expressing cells during gastric mucosal injury and repair. Methods: Acidified ethanol was administered to wild‐type mice. DCAMKL‐1 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: There were some DCAMKL‐1‐expressing cells in normal mouse stomachs. All the cells were located in the gastric isthmus region. All DCAMKL‐1‐expressing cells were double stained with Dolichos biflorus lectin‐expressing parietal cells and Musashi‐1‐expressing cells. The DCAMKL‐1 antigen expression decreased 12 h after injury and gradually increased to normal 4 d after injury. Conclusion: Using DCAMKL‐1 as a marker for stomach stem cells, we could describe the expression pattern of stomach stem cells during mucosal injury.