Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Potential of the Trefoil Factor Family in the Gastrointestinal Tract.

ABSTRACT: Trefoil factor family peptides (TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3) are key players in protecting, maintaining, and repairing the gastrointestinal tract. Accordingly, they have the therapeutic potential to treat and prevent a variety of gastrointestinal disorders associated with mucosal damage. TFF peptides share a conserved motif, including three disulfide bonds that stabilize a well-defined three-loop-structure reminiscent of a trefoil. Although multiple functions have been described for TFF peptides, their mechanisms at the molecular level remain poorly understood. This review presents the status quo of TFF research relating to gastrointestinal disorders. Putative TFF receptors and protein partners are described and critically evaluated. The therapeutic potential of these peptides in gastroint

SUBMITTER: Braga Emidio N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7432662 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature