The regulation of trefoil factor 2 expression by the transcription factor Sp3

Trefoil factor family 2 (TFF2) participates in mucus stabilization and repair, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. Previously published reports have indicated that several growth factors and basal transcription factors are associated with the expression of TFF2. However, the detailed mechanisms that regulate TFF2 expression are not fully understood. The present study was designed to assess the essential role of the transcription factor SP3 with respect to TFF2 expression. We first demonstrated that there was a negative correlation between the expression levels of SP3 and TFF2. Thus, in the examined cells, the overexpression of SP3 decreased the expression level of TFF2, whereas the inhibition of SP3 increased the expression level of TFF2. Moreover, we discovered two GC boxes in the TFF2 promoter and confirmed the specific binding of SP3 to this promoter. On the whole, this study indicated that Sp3 was a major regulator of TFF2 expression. This knowledge should contribute to our understanding of the role that is played by SP3 in the regulation of TFF2 expression.

► There was a negative correlation between the expression of SP3 and TFF2.
► SP3 affected the expression of TFF2.
► Sp3 regulated the transcription level of the TFF2 promoter.
► Sp3 bound to the GC boxes in the TFF2 promoter.
► TFF2 attenuated the transactivational functions of SP3.