[What is/are the function(s) of trefoil peptides?]

pS2, SP and ITF have been identified in the eighties. These peptides share a consensus proteic domain including 3 disulfide bridges leading to a 3 loop structure and subsequently to their name of trefoil peptides. While they are normally expressed in restricted parts of the gastrointestinal tract, ectopic expression is also observed during gastrointestinal ulcerations and in various carcinomas. To date, from numerous studies performed in vitro and in vivo, their functions in these pathologies begin to be elucidated.