TFF3 and EGF induce different migration patterns of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and trigger increased internalization of E-cadherin.
OBJECTIVE
TFF3, a member of the TFF (trefoil factor family) peptides, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) actively support the repair of mucosal barriers, particularly during restitution. The aim of this study was to compare the motogenic effects of TFF3 and EGF.


METHODS
The influence of recombinant human TFF3 (dimeric form) and EGF on the migration of IEC-18 cells was characterized in an in vitro restitution model (scratch wound assay) with the help of time-lapse video microscopy, morphometry, and immunocytochemistry including confocal laser scanning microscopy.


RESULTS
TFF3- and EGF-treated cells re-populated the wounded area via different migration patterns; TFF3 treatment resulted in the formation of continuous sheets of migrating cells with only a few gaps. In contrast, EGF-treated cells formed a network of migrating cells (often with a fibroblast-like morphology) with numerous gaps and only punctual contacts. TFF3 and EGF treatment also changed the localization of E-cadherin indicating endocytotic recycling and/or degradation of E-cadherin.


CONCLUSIONS
TFF3, in contrast to EGF, enhanced a collective cell migration ensuring a precise coverage of the re-populated area avoiding gaps.
Dürer
Uwe
U
Institut für Molekularbiologie und Medizinische Chemie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany.
Hartig
Roland
R
Bang
Susanne
S
Thim
Lars
L
Hoffmann
Werner
W
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects*; D007700:Kinetics; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D000071165:Trefoil Factor-3
D015820:Cadherins; D010455:Peptides; C082495:TFF3 protein, human; D000071165:Trefoil Factor-3; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor