TFF Peptides: Lectins in Mucosal Protection and More

Dear Colleagues,

 

Trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides—together with mucins—are characteristic secretory products of mucous epithelia, where they are involved in different protective mechanisms. For example, they show motogenic and (anti)apoptotic activities. Furthermore, TFFs are also expressed in both the central nervous and immune systems. Pathologically, TFFs are ectopically expressed in various tumors, in inflammatory diseases, and after wounding. Transgenic TFF-deficient mice show different abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system, respectively. Based on these results, TFFs have considerable therapeutic potential, e.g., for treating certain inflammatory disorders as well as oral mucositis after radio- and chemotherapy. Thus far, no high-affinity binding of a TFF peptide with a classical transmembrane receptor has been identified. However, there are numerous interactions of TFFs with (glyco)proteins and a gastrokine documented. The specific interaction particularly of TFF1 and TFF2 with carbohydrate moieties clearly established them as lectins.

Papers submitted to this Special Issue must report high novelty results, e.g., concerning the complex biosynthesis of TFFs, the characterization of TFF interaction partners, the molecular function of TFFs, and the characterization of TFF modules in mosaic proteins. Additionally, state-of-the-art reviews concerning selected functional aspects of TFFs are welcome.

 

Prof. Dr. Werner Hoffmann
Prof. Dr. Friedrich Paulsen
Guest Editors

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