Trefoil factor 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TFF3 gene. It is mapped to 21q22.3. Members of the trefoil family can interact with mucins and have an influence on mucus viscosity. They also promote migration of epithelial cells, are linked to antiapoptosis, induce cell scattering, trigger chemotaxis, and participate in immune responses. This gene is a marker of columnar epithelium and is expressed in a variety of tissues including goblet cells of the intestines and colon. It has been found that TFF3 is the most highly upregulated gene in 19 poorly differentiated endometrioid endometrial carcinomas (G3-EECs) compared with normal endometrium biopsies.
