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Weste J, Houben T, Harder S, Schlüter H, Lücke E, Schreiber J, Hoffmann W. Different Molecular Forms of TFF3 in the Human Respiratory Tract: Heterodimerization with IgG Fc Binding Protein (FCGBP) and Proteolytic Cleavage in Bronchial Secretions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315359. [PMID: 36499686 PMCID: PMC9737082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The polypeptide TFF3 belongs to the trefoil factor family (TFF) of lectins. TFF3 is typically secreted from mucous epithelia together with mucins. Both intestinal and salivary TFF3 mainly exist as disulfide-linked heterodimers with IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP). Here, we investigated bronchial tissue specimens, bronchial secretions, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) background by fast protein liquid chromatography and proteomics. For the first time, we identified different molecular forms of TFF3 in the lung. The high-molecular mass form represents TFF3-FCGBP oligomers, whereas the low-molecular mass forms are homodimeric and monomeric TFF3 with possibly anti-apoptotic activities. In addition, disulfide-linked TFF3 heterodimers with an Mr of about 60k and 30k were detected in both bronchial secretions and BAL fluid. In these liquids, TFF3 is partly N-terminally truncated probably by neutrophil elastase cleavage. TFF3-FCGBP is likely involved in the mucosal innate immune defense against microbial infections. We discuss a hypothetical model how TFF3 might control FCGBP oligomerization. Furthermore, we did not find indications for interactions of TFF3-FCGBP with DMBT1gp340 or the mucin MUC5AC, glycoproteins involved in mucosal innate immunity. Surprisingly, bronchial MUC5AC appeared to be degraded when compared with gastric MUC5AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Weste
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Till Houben
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Harder
- Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Diagnostic Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Diagnostic Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Lücke
- Department of Pneumology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jens Schreiber
- Department of Pneumology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Werner Hoffmann
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Qin W, Huang H, Dai Y, Han W, Gao Y. Proteome analysis of urinary biomarkers in a cigarette smoke-induced COPD rat model. Respir Res 2022; 23:156. [PMID: 35705945 PMCID: PMC9202220 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease caused by inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS) and other harmful gases and particles. METHODS This study aimed to explore potential urinary biomarkers for CS-induced COPD based on LC-MS/MS analysis. RESULTS A total of 340 urinary proteins were identified, of which 79 were significantly changed (30, 31, and 37 at week 2, 4 and 8, respectively). GO annotation of the differential urinary proteins revealed that acute-phase response, response to organic cyclic compounds, complement activation classical pathway, and response to lead ion were significantly enriched at week 2 and 4. Another four processes were only enriched at week 8, namely response to oxidative stress, positive regulation of cell proliferation, thyroid hormone generation, and positive regulation of apoptotic process. The PPI network indicated that these differential proteins were biologically connected in CS-exposed rats. Of the 79 differential proteins in CS-exposed rats, 56 had human orthologs. Seven proteins that had changed at week 2 and 4 when there were no changes of pulmonary function and pathological morphology were verified as potential biomarkers for early screening of CS-induced COPD by proteomic analysis. Another six proteins that changed at week 8 when obvious airflow obstruction was detected were verified as potential biomarkers for prognostic assessment of CS-induced COPD. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal that the urinary proteome could sensitively reflect pathological changes in CS-exposed rats, and provide valuable clues for exploring COPD biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yuting Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wei Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Youhe Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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Rossi HL, Ortiz-Carpena JF, Tucker D, Vaughan AE, Mangalmurti NS, Cohen NA, Herbert DR. Trefoil Factor Family: A Troika for Lung Repair and Regeneration. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:252-259. [PMID: 34784491 PMCID: PMC8937240 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0373tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue damage in the upper and lower airways caused by mechanical abrasion, noxious chemicals, or pathogenic organisms must be followed by rapid restorative processes; otherwise, persistent immunopathology and disease may ensue. This review will discuss evidence for the important role served by trefoil factor (TFF) family members in healthy and diseased airways of humans and rodents. Collectively, these peptides serve to both maintain and restore homeostasis through their regulation of the mucous layer and their control of cell motility, cell differentiation, and immune function in the upper and lower airways. We will also discuss important differences in which trefoil member tracks with homeostasis and disease between humans and mice, which poses a challenge for research in this area. Moreover, we discuss new evidence supporting newly identified receptor binding partners in the leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing NoGo (LINGO) family in mediating the biological effects of TFF proteins in mouse models of epithelial repair and infection. Recent advances in our knowledge regarding TFF peptides suggest that they may be reasonable therapeutic targets in the treatment of upper and lower airway diseases of diverse etiologies. Further work understanding their role in airway homeostasis, repair, and inflammation will benefit from these newly uncovered receptor-ligand interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrew E. Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and
| | | | - Noam A. Cohen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital of the University of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Samson MH, Abildgaard AM, Espelund U, Rasmussen TR, Folkersen B, Frystyk J, Nexo E. Circulating trefoil factors in relation to lung cancer, age and lung function: a cross-sectional study in patients referred for suspected lung cancer. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2021; 81:446-450. [PMID: 34242119 DOI: 10.1080/00365513.2021.1943757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The trefoil factor family proteins: TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 are secreted by epithelial cells in the respiratory tract. Here, we explore circulating concentrations of the trefoil factors in relation to lung cancer, age and lung function. We included 751 patients suspected of lung cancer. Lung cancer diagnosis was based on data reported to a national database. Serum TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3 concentrations were measured by ELISA, and spirometry was performed within ±3 days of blood sampling. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in relation to forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC (a parameter used to quantify reduced lung function) was recorded. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 163 (22%) patients. Circulating concentrations of TFF3 (p = .021), but not TFF1 and TFF2, were significantly elevated in cancer patients. All three trefoil factors showed an increase in concentration with increasing age (p < .001) and declining lung function (p < .004). In the present cohort, concentrations of all three peptides were elevated compared with previous results published for healthy individuals. In conclusion, we report higher concentrations of TFF3 in patients with lung cancer, while increasing age and reduced lung function are associated with increasing concentrations of all trefoil factors in this specific patient population. The results emphasize that age and lung function should be taken into consideration when evaluating concentrations of trefoil factors in patients. However, the increases in trefoil factor concentrations were relatively small, and consequently, it is unlikely that circulating trefoil factor concentrations may have a role in the diagnosis of lung cancer and lung function impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie H Samson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders M Abildgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulrick Espelund
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Laboratory, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben R Rasmussen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Folkersen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan Frystyk
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Laboratory, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ebba Nexo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Braga Emidio N, Brierley SM, Schroeder CI, Muttenthaler M. Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Potential of the Trefoil Factor Family in the Gastrointestinal Tract. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:583-597. [PMID: 32832864 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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 gastrointestinal disorders where altered mucosal biology plays a crucial role in the underlying etiology is discussed. Finally, areas of investigation that require further research are addressed. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive update on TFF literature as well as guidance toward future research to better understand this peptide family and its therapeutic potential for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medicial Research Insittitue (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.,Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Popp J, Schicht M, Garreis F, Klinger P, Gelse K, Sesselmann S, Tsokos M, Etzold S, Stiller D, Claassen H, Paulsen F. Human Synovia Contains Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) Peptides 1-3 Although Synovial Membrane Only Produces TFF3: Implications in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236105. [PMID: 31817054 PMCID: PMC6928748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Trefoil factor family peptide 3 (TFF3) has been shown to support catabolic functions in cases of osteoarthritis (OA). As in joint physiology and diseases such as OA, the synovial membrane (SM) of the joint capsule also plays a central role. We analyze the ability of SM to produce TFF compare healthy SM and its secretion product synovial fluid (SF) with SM and SF from patients suffering from OA or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to measure the expression of TFFs in healthy SM and SM from patients suffering from OA or RA. For tissue localization, we investigated TFF1-3 in differently aged human SM of healthy donors by means of immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blot. Results: Only TFF3 but not TFF1 and -2 was expressed in SM from healthy donors as well as cases of OA or RA on protein and mRNA level. In contrast, all three TFFs were detected in all samples of SF on the protein level. No significant changes were observed for TFF1 at all. TFF2 was significantly upregulated in RA samples in comparison to OA samples. TFF3 protein was significantly downregulated in OA samples in comparison to healthy samples and cases of RA significantly upregulated compared to OA. In contrast, in SM TFF3 protein was not significantly regulated. Conclusion: The data demonstrate the production of TFF3 in SM. Unexpectedly, SF contains all three known TFF peptides. As neither articular cartilage nor SM produce TFF1 and TFF2, we speculate that these originate with high probability from blood serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Popp
- Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.P.); (M.S.); (F.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Martin Schicht
- Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.P.); (M.S.); (F.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Fabian Garreis
- Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.P.); (M.S.); (F.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Patricia Klinger
- Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.P.); (M.S.); (F.G.); (P.K.)
| | - Kolja Gelse
- University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Trauma Surgery, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Stefan Sesselmann
- University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden, Institute for Medical Engineering, 92637 Weiden, Germany;
| | - Michael Tsokos
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.T.); (S.E.)
| | - Saskia Etzold
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.T.); (S.E.)
| | - Dankwart Stiller
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Department of Legal Medicine, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Horst Claassen
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (J.P.); (M.S.); (F.G.); (P.K.)
- Sechenov University, Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery, 119146 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8522865; Fax: +49-9131-8522862
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Kasaian MT, Lee J, Brennan A, Danto SI, Black KE, Fitz L, Dixon AE. Proteomic analysis of serum and sputum analytes distinguishes controlled and poorly controlled asthmatics. Clin Exp Allergy 2018; 48:814-824. [PMID: 29665127 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major goal of asthma therapy is to achieve disease control, with maintenance of lung function, reduced need for rescue medication, and prevention of exacerbation. Despite current standard of care, up to 70% of patients with asthma remain poorly controlled. Analysis of serum and sputum biomarkers could offer insights into parameters associated with poor asthma control. OBJECTIVE To identify signatures as determinants of asthma disease control, we performed proteomics using Olink proximity extension analysis. METHODS Up to 3 longitudinal serum samples were collected from 23 controlled and 25 poorly controlled asthmatics. Nine of the controlled and 8 of the poorly controlled subjects also provided 2 longitudinal sputum samples. The study included an additional cohort of 9 subjects whose serum was collected within 48 hours of asthma exacerbation. Two separate pre-defined Proseek Multiplex panels (INF and CVDIII) were run to quantify 181 separate protein analytes in serum and sputum. RESULTS Panels consisting of 9 markers in serum (CCL19, CCL25, CDCP1, CCL11, FGF21, FGF23, Flt3L, IL-10Rβ, IL-6) and 16 markers in sputum (tPA, KLK6, RETN, ADA, MMP9, Chit1, GRN, PGLYRP1, MPO, HGF, PRTN3, DNER, PI3, Chi3L1, AZU1, and OPG) distinguished controlled and poorly controlled asthmatics. The sputum analytes were consistent with a pattern of neutrophil activation associated with poor asthma control. The serum analyte profile of the exacerbation cohort resembled that of the controlled group rather than that of the poorly controlled asthmatics, possibly reflecting a therapeutic response to systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Proteomic profiles in serum and sputum distinguished controlled and poorly controlled asthmatics, and were maintained over time. Findings support a link between sputum neutrophil markers and loss of asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Kasaian
- Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Lee
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Brennan
- Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S I Danto
- Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - K E Black
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - L Fitz
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A E Dixon
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Bijelić N, Belovari T, Tolušić Levak M, Baus Lončar M. Localization of trefoil factor family peptide 3 (TFF3) in epithelial tissues originating from the three germ layers of developing mouse embryo. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2017; 17:241-247. [PMID: 28485250 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2017.1838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides are involved in the maintenance of epithelial integrity and epithelial restitution. Mature epithelial tissues originate from different embryonic germ layers. The objective of this research was to explore the presence and localization of TFF3 peptide in mouse embryonic epithelia and to examine if the occurrence of TFF3 peptide is germ layer-dependent. Mouse embryos (14-18 days old) were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Immunohistochemistry was performed with affinity purified rabbit anti-TFF3 antibody, goat anti-rabbit biotinylated secondary antibody and streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase, followed by 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. TFF3 peptide was present in the gastric and intestinal mucosa, respiratory mucosa in the upper and lower airways, pancreas, kidney tubules, epidermis, and oral cavity. The presence and localization of TFF3 peptide was associated with the embryonic stage and tissue differentiation. TFF3 peptide distribution specific to the germ layers was not observed. The role of TFF3 peptide in cell migration and differentiation, immune response, and apoptosis might be associated with specific embryonic epithelial cells. TFF3 peptide may also be considered as a marker for mucosal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Bijelić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
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Wang XN, Wang SJ, Pandey V, Chen P, Li Q, Wu ZS, Wu Q, Lobie PE. Trefoil factor 3 as a novel biomarker to distinguish between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e860. [PMID: 25997063 PMCID: PMC4602872 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In carcinoma, such as of the lung, the histological subtype is important to select an appropriate therapeutic strategy for patients. However, carcinomas with poor differentiation cannot always be distinguished on the basis of morphology alone nor on clinical findings. Hence, delineation of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the 2 most common epithelial-origin carcinomas, is pivotal for selection of optimum therapy. Herein, we explored the potential utility of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) as a biomarker for primary lung adenocarcinoma and extrapulmonary adenocarcinomas derived from different organs. We observed that 90.9% of lung adenocarcinomas were TFF3-positive, whereas no expression of TFF3 was observed in squamous cell carcinomas. The subtype of lung carcinoma was confirmed by four established biomarkers, cytokeratin 7 and thyroid transcription factor 1 for adenocarcinoma and P63 and cytokeratin 5/6 for squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, expression of TFF3 mRNA was observed by quantitative PCR in all of 11 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and highly correlated with markers of the adenocarcinomatous lineage. In contrast, little or no expression of TFF3 was observed in 4 lung squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. By use of forced expression, or siRNA-mediated depletion of TFF3, we determined that TFF3 appeared to maintain rather than promote glandular differentiation of lung carcinoma cells. In addition, TFF3 expression was also determined in adenocarcinomas from colorectum, stomach, cervix, esophagus, and larynx. Among all these extrapulmonary carcinomas, 93.7% of adenocarcinomas exhibited TFF3 positivity, whereas only 2.9% of squamous cell carcinomas were TFF3-positive. Totally, 92.9% of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary adenocarcinomas exhibited TFF3 positivity, whereas only 1.5% of squamous cell carcinomas were TFF3-positive. In conclusion, TFF3 is preferentially expressed in adenocarcinoma and may function as an additional biomarker for distinguishing adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Nan Wang
- From the Department of Pathology (X-NW, S-JW, PC, QL, Z-SW, QW); Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China (X-NW); Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore (VP, PEL); and National Cancer Institute of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore (PEL). These authors contributed equally to this work
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