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Review
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 4, 721–732 (1 September 2003) | doi:10.1038/nrm1203
Trefoil factors: initiators of mucosal healing
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Abstract
Maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract, despite the continual presence of microbial flora and injurious agents, is essential. Epithelial continuity depends on a family of small, yet abundant, secreted proteins — the trefoil factors (TFFs). TFFs protect mucous epithelia from a range of insults and contribute to mucosal repair, although the signalling events that mediate these responses are only partially understood.
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