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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2019 Jun 10.
Published in final edited form as: Trends Biochem Sci. 2019 Feb 18;44(5):387–390. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.01.004

Figure 1. Interactions of TFF peptides.

Figure 1

The figure includes validated and hypothetical interactions, potential associated physiological functions, and unresolved questions. Targets highlighted in blue are supported by independent research groups. Dashed arrows and ? denotes functions that have not been experimentally validated. The TFF1-GKN2 heterodimer displays synergistic anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, yet its mechanism of action remains unknown. TFF1-MUC2/5AC interaction might enhance mucosal protection. TFF2 interaction with CXCR4 or PAR4 accelerates cell migration. TFF2 binds specifically to the GlcNAcα1→4Galβ1→R moiety of MUC6. Interaction of TFF2 and β integrin is supposed to have motogenic effects. TFF2/3 interaction with DMBT1 might play a role in mucosal immunity and protection. TFF3 interaction with PAR2 downregulates the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and upregulates hBD2 and hBD4. The TFF3-FCGBP complex is considered to act as a reservoir for continuous TFF3 release. CXCR: C-X-C chemokine receptor; DMBT1: deleted in malignant brain tumour 1; FCGBP: IgG Fc binding protein; GKN2, gastrokine 2; PAR: protease-activated receptor; MUC: mucin; hBD human beta defensin.