Abstract
Maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract, despite the continual presence of microbial flora and injurious agents, is essential. Epithelial continuity depends on a family of small, yet abundant, secreted proteins--the trefoil factors (TFFs). TFFs protect mucous epithelia from a range of insults and contribute to mucosal repair, although the signalling events that mediate these responses are only partially understood.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
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Growth Substances / metabolism*
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Humans
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Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
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Mucins*
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Mucous Membrane / metabolism*
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Muscle Proteins*
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Neuropeptides*
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Peptides / metabolism*
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Trefoil Factor-2
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Trefoil Factor-3
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Wound Healing / physiology*
Substances
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Growth Substances
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Inflammation Mediators
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Mucins
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Muscle Proteins
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Neuropeptides
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Peptides
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TFF3 protein, rat
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Trefoil Factor-2
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Trefoil Factor-3