Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
"Tissue" transglutaminase in animal development
M Piacentini1, C Rodolfo, M G Farrace
1Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. mauro.piacentini@uniroma2.it
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) plays a key role in programmed cell death (PCD) by cross-linking proteins. Its expression is linked to cell death during animal reproduction and development, preventing inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in protein post-translational modification.
- tTG catalyzes Ca2+-dependent reactions, forming protein cross-links and incorporating biogenic amines.
- tTG gene expression is specifically associated with apoptosis or programmed cell death (PCD) in vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on tTG expression and regulation in animal reproduction and development.
- To explore the relationship between tTG expression and the induction of PCD in these contexts.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on tTG function, expression, and regulation.
- Analysis of data linking tTG to PCD in animal reproduction and development.
Main Results:
- Ca2+-dependent activation of tTG in PCD leads to detergent-insoluble protein polymers.
- This protein scaffold may stabilize dying cells, preventing the release of harmful intracellular components.
- Data consistently strengthen the association between tTG expression and PCD induction.
Conclusions:
- tTG plays a crucial role in the cellular mechanisms of PCD.
- Understanding tTG's role in reproduction and development is vital for comprehending PCD.
- tTG activity may prevent inflammatory responses and tissue damage during cell death.
Related Concept Videos
00:53Transgenic Organisms
Overview
01:56Gastrulation
Gastrulation establishes the three primary tissues of an embryo: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This developmental process relies on a series of intricate cellular movements, which in humans transforms a flat, “bilaminar disc” composed of two cell sheets into a three-tiered structure. In the resulting embryo, the endoderm serves as the bottom layer, and stacked directly above it is the intermediate mesoderm, and then the uppermost ectoderm. Respectively, these tissue strata will form...