{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a mucin-related secretory molecule produced by goblet cells (mucus-producing cells) in the colon and small intestine to seal areas of tissue damage along the GI tract. TFF3 can increase the rheological properties of mucus and affect inflammation through EGFR regulation to protect against colitis and gastrointestinal parasites. Data suggests that TFFs can induce IL-10, MAPK, and beta catenin activation, and has also been shown to suppress TNF-alpha expression and regulate STAT3, which are major components of cytokine and growth factor signaling pathways."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"TFF3 has been identified as an indicator of Barrett’s Esophagus, a premalignant condition indicating predisposition to esophageal adenocarcinoma. In cases of acid reflux, TFF3 and p53 can be used to help identify likely cases of dysplasia and chronic inflammation. Overexpression of TFF3 has been found to promote proliferation and invasion in Cervical Cancer cells, through the regulation of E-Cadherin. Expression of TFF3 has also been found to be decreased in Colorectal Cancer, and may be a prognostic indicator, with less TFF3 expression indicating higher pathologic stages of the tumor."}]}]}