Trefoil factor family 3 expression in the oral cavity

Abstract

This study examined the expression, in oral keratinocytes and in the major and minor salivary glands, of Trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3) peptide. Trefoil factor family 3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and peptide were detected in cultures of normal oral keratinocytes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Trefoil factor family 3 was found, by immunohistochemical analyses, to be expressed in the basal layers of the oral mucosal epithelium. In salivary glands, immunohistochemical staining showed that TFF3 peptide expression was strongest in the mucous acini of the submandibular and the small salivary glands. Serous cells in the same glands showed weak staining. In the parotid gland, many serous acini showed weak positive staining, while other areas did not. In all glands examined, the intercalated, striated, and collecting ducts were moderately TFF3-positive. Double immunostaining confirmed that mucous (MUC5B positive) cells were moderately or strongly positive for TFF3 and that some serous (MUC7 positive) cells showed restricted TFF3 expression, mostly in a granular pattern. The prevalence of the TFF3 peptide in the salivary secretions of healthy volunteers was detected by western blotting of saliva from minor salivary glands (four of five) and the parotid gland (one of five) and of mixed submandibular/sublingual saliva (five of five). In conclusion, the submandibular and small salivary glands appear to be the major producers of oral TFF3, but duct cells of all glands and keratinocytes of the oral mucosa may also contribute as sources of TFF3 in the oral cavity.

Expression Analysis of Human Salivary Glands by Laser Microdissection: Differences Between Submandibular and Labial Glands

“…[30]). However, there are also a few reports demonstrating TFF3 synthesis in non-mucous cells, such as hypothalamic neurons [22], oral keratinocytes [5], and articular cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis [31].…”

“…Thus far, only TFF3, but not TFF1 or TFF2, was detectable in human saliva [5,16]. Using immunohistochemitry, TFF3 peptide has been localized to serous and mucous cells of the SMGs, but with remarkable individual differences [5,16], as well as mucous cells of SLGs [5,17], ducts of PGs [5,18], and in mucous cells of minor salivary glands [5]. Minor salivary glands are a particularly rich source for TFF3 [5].…”

“…Using immunohistochemitry, TFF3 peptide has been localized to serous and mucous cells of the SMGs, but with remarkable individual differences [5,16], as well as mucous cells of SLGs [5,17], ducts of PGs [5,18], and in mucous cells of minor salivary glands [5]. Minor salivary glands are a particularly rich source for TFF3 [5]. On the mRNA level, TFF3 expression was detectable in SMGs, SLGs, PGs, and minor salivary glands [16,19] and in situ hybridization localized TFF3 in mucous acini [19].…”

“…The function of salivary proteins is manifold, including oral lubrication (influencing the rheology), oral predigestion and enhancement of taste, immunological barrier against microorganisms, and enhancement of wound healing. Whole saliva is a complex mixture of microbial products, mucosal exudate, gingival crevicular fluid, desquamated epithelial cells, and exocrine secretions of all the salivary glands [major glands with relatively long excretory ducts: sublingual (SLG), submandibular (SMG), parotid (PG); minor glands with short ducts: lingual, labial (LG), palatinal, buccal and molar] and probably also oral keratinocytes [1,5]. Each day, about 1000-1500 mL sa-376 liva is secreted from the salivary glands.…”

Gut-Associated Biomarkers L-FABP, I-FABP, and TFF3 and LIT Score for Diagnosis of Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants

“…Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is predominantly expressed in the intestinal goblet cells and mucin-producing epithelial cells. [12][13][14] These gut barrier proteins would be expected to be released in large quantities into the bloodstream secondary to intestinal mucosal injury in NEC infants. The first objective of this case-control study…”