Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding interfering RNA molecules regarded as major regulators in eukaryotic gene expression. Different methods are employed for miRNA expression profiling. For a better understanding of their role in essential biological processes, convenient methods for differential miRNA expression analysis are required.

Trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides provide protective and reparative effects by enhancing epithelial integrity and promoting mucosal restitution. TFF peptide expression is induced after mucosal damage. These processes are of central physiological relevance during the postnatal intestinal development and are strongly influenced during the weaning period. In piglets, weaning at early maturation stages frequently causes mucosal inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate postnatal intestinal TFF expression in a piglet probiotic trial. Low intestinal TFF2 expression was measured at early maturation stages. Weaning, however, was associated with a distinct response of increased TFF2 expression, indicating an important role in enhancing mucosal integrity. In the distal jejunum and ileum weaning could as well be associated with increased TFF3 mRNA levels. Differential TFF1 expression was not detected. Furthermore, TFF2 localization studies in different intestinal loci were performed by means of immunohistochemistry. Expression of selected genes (TGFA, EGFR, Cox-2) known to promote TFF signaling showed differential expression pattern as well, thereby providing further functional background. Furthermore, the expression patterns of EGFR observed in this study contribute to an advanced view of previous findings of EGFR regulation mainly obtained in rodents. An upregulated EGFR expression during early postnatal development suggests a local relevance to porcine intestinal maturation. However, a feed supplementation with the probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium did not influence TFF expression.

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