Trefoil factor 1, Breast cancer estrogen-inducible protein, PNR-2, Polypeptide P1 A, Protein pS2, hP1 A, BCEI, PS2, TFF1, Estrogen Inducible Protein pS2.
Members of the trefoil family are characterized by having at least one copy of the trefoil motif, a 40-amino acid domain that contains three conserved disulfides. They are stable secretory proteins expressed in gastrointestinal mucosa. Their functions are not defined, but they may protect the mucosa from insults, stabilize the mucus layer, and affect healing of the epithelium. This gene, which is expressed in the gastric mucosa, has also been studied because of its expression in human tumors. This gene and two other related trefoil family member genes are found in a cluster on chromosome 21. TFF1 has been found to be a stabilizer of the mucous gel overlying the gastrointestinal mucosa that provides a physical barrier against various noxious agents. TFF1 may inhibit the growth of calcium oxalate crystals in urine.
