Activation of STAT3 signaling is mediated by TFF1 silencing in gastric neoplasia.

TFF1, a secreted protein, plays an essential role in keeping the integrity of gastric mucosa and its barrier function. Loss of TFF1 expression in the TFF1-knockout (KO) mouse leads to a pro-inflammatory phenotype with a cascade of gastric lesions that include low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and adenocarcinomas. In this study, we demonstrate nuclear localization of p-STAT, with significant overexpression of several STAT3 target genes in gastric glands from the TFF1-KO mice.