Trefoil Factor Peptides and Gastrointestinal Function

• Published in: Annual review of physiology Vol. 79; no. 1; pp. 357 - 380
• Main Authors: Aihara, Eitaro, Engevik, Kristen A, Montrose, Marshall H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Annual Reviews 10.02.2017; Annual Reviews, Inc
• Subjects: Animals; cell migration; Cell Movement - physiology; Defense mechanisms; Digestive system; Gastrointestinal Tract - metabolism; Gastrointestinal Tract - physiology; GI mucosal defense; Homeostasis; Homeostasis - physiology; Humans; immune system; Inflammation - metabolism; Inflammation - pathology; Molecules; mucin; Peptides; TFF signaling; Trefoil Factors - metabolism; cell migration; immune system; homeostasis; GI mucosal defense; TFF signaling; mucin
• ISSN: 0066-4278; 1545-1585
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021115-105447

Trefoil factor (TFF) peptides, with a 40-amino acid motif and including six conserved cysteine residues that form intramolecular disulfide bonds, are a family of mucin-associated secretory molecules mediating many physiological roles that maintain and restore gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal homeostasis. TFF peptides play important roles in response to GI mucosal injury and inflammation. In response to acute GI mucosal injury, TFF peptides accelerate cell migration to seal the damaged area from luminal contents, whereas chronic inflammation leads to increased TFF expression to prevent further progression of disease. Although much evidence supports the physiological significance of TFF peptides in mucosal defenses, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of TFF peptides in the GI epithelium remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the functional roles of TFF1, 2, and 3 and illustrate their action mechanisms, focusing on defense mechanisms in the GI tract.