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Transglutaminases: crosslinking enzymes with pleiotropic functions
Laszlo Lorand1, Robert M Graham
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. l-lorand@northwestern.edu
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|February 4, 2003
Summary
Transglutaminases catalyze protein crosslinking, crucial for biological structure and function. Understanding these enzymes is key to addressing various genetic and autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Protein crosslinking is vital for numerous biological processes, including blood coagulation and skin barrier formation.
- Transglutaminases catalyze the formation of covalent crosslinks, enhancing structural rigidity and resistance to degradation.
- These enzymes also act as molecular switches in cytoskeletal organization and protein interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of transglutaminases in essential biological functions.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding transglutaminase activity for disease etiology.
- To underscore the relevance of transglutaminases in cytoskeletal regulation and protein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on transglutaminase function and biological significance.
- Analysis of transglutaminase involvement in key physiological processes.
- Examination of the link between transglutaminases and various disease states.
Main Results:
- Transglutaminases are essential catalysts for protein crosslinking in processes like coagulation and matrix assembly.
- These enzymes contribute to structural integrity and resistance against proteolytic enzymes.
- Transglutaminases play regulatory roles in the cytoskeleton and protein-protein interactions.
Conclusions:
- Transglutaminase activity is fundamental to maintaining biological structure and function.
- Knowledge of transglutaminases is crucial for understanding hereditary blood and skin diseases.
- Further research into transglutaminases is essential for addressing autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative conditions.
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