gastrin52

Gastrin-52, often abbreviated to gastrin-52 or G-52, is a peptide hormone that belongs to the gastrin family. It is produced by G cells in the gastric antrum as part of the larger progastrin precursor and is one of several gastrin isoforms generated by post-translational processing. In humans, the gastrin precursor is encoded by the GAST gene, and the processing pathway yields multiple active forms, including gastrin-52, gastrin-34, and gastrin-17. Gastrin-52 is the longer form that retains additional N-terminal residues before maturation to the active peptides.

Gastrin exerts its biological effects by binding to CCK-B receptors (gastrin receptors) on gastric parietal cells and enterochromaffin-like cells. This interaction stimulates gastric acid secretion and promotes growth of the gastric mucosa, contributing to the trophic effects of gastrin on the stomach lining. Release of gastrin is stimulated by luminal peptides and amino acids, vagal stimulation via gastrin-releasing peptide, and other feedback mechanisms related to gastric acidity; its activity is tempered by somatostatin and negative feedback from acid levels.

Clinical relevance of gastrin-52 lies within the broader context of gastrin physiology. Hypergastrinemia can occur in gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas) and in conditions such as chronic atrophic gastritis or pernicious anemia. Measurement of gastrin levels supports the evaluation of peptic ulcer disease and suspected Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, though routine testing more commonly reports total or active gastrin rather than specifically isolating the gastrin-52 form.