Gene Regulation of the Human Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) in Gastrointestinal Cell Lines

Abstract

The trefoil factor family (TFF) is a relatively new family of peptides which bear a three-loop trefoil domain. They appear to play a central role in gastric and luminal mucosal defence, in association with luminal mucins, and they are involved in the healing process following ulceration. The underlying molecular mechanism of TFF peptide action is still unknown, but their physical properties, and the biological activities of these peptides as motogens may prove to be useful as therapeutic agents in ulcerative conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease where present treatment is far from ideal.

The trefoil factor family (TFF) is a relatively new family of peptides which bear a three-loop trefoil domain. They appear to play a central role in gastric and luminal mucosal defence, in association with luminal mucins, and they are involved in the healing process following ulceration. The underlying molecular mechanism of TFF peptide action is still unknown, but their physical properties, and the biological activities of these peptides as motogens may prove to be useful as therapeutic agents in ulcerative conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease where present treatment is far from ideal.