Rolling in the clover: trefoil factor family (TFF)-domain peptides, cell migration and cancer

FEBS Lett. 1997 May 19;408(2):121-3. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00424-9.

Abstract

Trefoil factor family (TFF)-domain peptides 1-3 are mucin-associated molecules, largely found in epithelia of gastrointestinal tissues. Structurally similar, resistant to enzymatic degradation, they are up-regulated around areas of epithelial damage such as ulcers. Transgenic expression or exogenous peptide ameliorates or prevents gastric mucosal damage due to indomethacin and some are rapidly up-regulated after cryogenic burns. A role in promoting cell migration is strongly suggested. Knockout mice lacking TFF1 or TFF3 show significant pathology, with the former developing gastric tumours. A recent Conference Philippe Laudat agreed upon a new nomenclature for these peptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement*
  • Consensus Sequence
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Growth Substances / chemistry
  • Growth Substances / metabolism*
  • Indomethacin / toxicity
  • Intestinal Mucosa / chemistry
  • Intestinal Mucosa / cytology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mucins*
  • Muscle Proteins*
  • Neuropeptides / chemistry
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Terminology as Topic
  • Trefoil Factor-2
  • Trefoil Factor-3

Substances

  • Growth Substances
  • Mucins
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • Peptides
  • TFF3 protein, rat
  • Trefoil Factor-2
  • Trefoil Factor-3
  • Indomethacin