Changes in gene expression with increased transglutaminase 2 in a SH-SY5Y cell line

Previously we showed that the overexpression of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) resulted in activation of NF-kappaB through polymerization of I-kappaBalpha. To explore the pathway of TGase 2-mediated NF-kappaB activation, a transcriptomic microarray analysis was performed. In a SH-SY5Y cell line transfected with TGase 2, 24 genes were up-regulated at least 1.6-fold and 26 genes were down-regulated, as compared to the wild-type cell line. Detailed analysis resulted in the identification of target genes involved in regulating inflammation, including tribbles homolog 3, peroxiredoxin 4, neuropeptide Y, galanin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Our data demonstrate that the increase in TGase 2 in the neuroblastoma causes functional changes in transcriptional regulation, especially in genes associated with inflammation. These changes in gene expression caused by increases in TGase 2 activity may contribute to the pathophysiologic processes of inflammatory diseases.