Tissue transglutaminase (TG2)--a wound response enzyme

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Tissue repair involves complex, overlapping events like inflammation, re-epithelialization, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
• Specific transglutaminase (TG) enzymes are upregulated during wound healing, acting as novel mediators.
• These enzymes crosslink proteins, stabilizing structures and influencing cell behavior crucial for repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the function of tissue transglutaminase (TG2), the most widely expressed TG family member, in wound repair.
• To demonstrate TG2's effects on ECM stability, cell-ECM interactions, and cell behavior throughout wound healing phases.
• To highlight the potential therapeutic applications of TG2 in wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing literature, including early and recent evidence.
• Analysis of TG2's role in regulating protein crosslinking and ECM stabilization.
• Examination of TG2's influence on cell types involved in tissue repair.

Main Results:

• TG2 significantly impacts the stability and structure of the extracellular matrix during wound healing.
• TG2 modulates cell-ECM interactions, thereby influencing cell behavior and migration.
• The enzyme plays a critical role in multiple phases of the wound repair process.

Conclusions:

• Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional enzyme essential for effective tissue repair.
• TG2's roles in ECM stabilization and cell regulation underscore its importance in wound healing.
• TG2 presents a promising target for therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing wound repair.