Transforming growth factor alpha knockout mice have smaller small intestines, larger large intestines but no increased sensitivity to nsaid-induced small intestinal injury

Peptide therapy and the gastroenterologist: colostrum and milk-derived growth factors

“…Further evidence for this role comes from research in mice who have had the TGFa gene 'knocked out' using homologous recombination. They have a relatively normal phenotype under control conditions but an increased sensitivity to colonic (14), although not small intestinal (15), injury. These findings support the role of TGFa in maintaining epithelial continuity but suggest that the relative importance of peptides such as this might vary from one region of the gut to another.…”