Secretory peptides TFF1 and TFF3 synthesized in human conjunctival goblet cells.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine whether human conjunctival epithelium synthesizes TFF-peptides (formerly P-domain peptides, trefoil factors), a family of mucin-associated secretory peptides of the gastrointestinal tract.


METHODS
Expression of TFF-peptides in human conjunctiva was monitored by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Antisera specific for TFF-peptides were used for immunohistochemistry to determine the presence and distribution of TFF-peptides in human conjunctiva.


RESULTS
mRNA expression of TFF1 and TFF3, but not TFF2, was detected in human conjunctiva. TFF1 and TFF3 but not TFF2 are stored in conjunctival goblet cells only as revealed by immunofluorescence.


CONCLUSIONS
Goblet cells of the human conjunctiva synthesize TFF1 and TFF3. These peptides, together with the secretory ocular mucin MUC5AC, may contribute to the rheological properties of the tear film. They also may influence healing of corneal wounds due to their motogenic properties.
Langer
G
G
Institut für Molekularbiologie und Medizinische Chemie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany.
Jagla
W
W
Behrens-Baumann
W
W
Walter
S
S
Hoffmann
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055271:Mucin 5AC; D009077:Mucins / Q000378:metabolism; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D010455:Peptides; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D000071163:Trefoil Factor-1; D000071164:Trefoil Factor-2; D000071165:Trefoil Factor-3; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins
C524678:MUC5AC protein, human; D055271:Mucin 5AC; D009077:Mucins; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C051838:TFF1 protein, human; C000604007:TFF2 protein, human; C082495:TFF3 protein, human; D000071163:Trefoil Factor-1; D000071164:Trefoil Factor-2; D000071165:Trefoil Factor-3; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins