TFF3: Proteins and Enzymes

TFF3 (Trefoil Factor 3), also known as ITF and P1.B, is a peptide that plays an important role in epithelial regeneration and wound healing. It can form disulfide-linked dimers or associate into disulfide-linked complexes with the intestinal mucous proteins FCGBP and MUC-2. TFF3 is expressed by epithelial goblet cells in the respiratory tract, biliary and breast ducts, small and large intestine, and cardia of the stomach as well as by chondrocytes during bone development. TFF3 is upregulated in response to gastrointestinal epithelial disruptions and promotes epithelial wound healing. It enhances tumor cell invasion and metastasis by supporting hypoxia-induced VEGF upregulation.