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

AbstractTrefoil factor family (TFF)-domain peptides 1–3 are mucin-associated molecules, largely found in epithelia of gastro-intestinal 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 Conférence Philippe Laudat agreed upon a new nomenclature for these peptides