Cellular functions of tissue transglutaminase

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Enzymology

Background:

• Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), also known as tissue transglutaminase, is a multifunctional protein.
• TG2 exhibits enzymatic activities including transglutaminase, GTPase/ATPase, protein disulfide isomerase, and protein kinase functions.
• It also possesses nonenzymatic functions through noncovalent interactions with cellular proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex biochemical activities and molecular interactions of TG2.
• To evaluate the wide-ranging and cell type-specific biological functions of TG2.
• To discuss the regulation of TG2 activities across diverse subcellular compartments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of TG2's biochemical activities and cellular functions.
• Analysis of TG2's involvement in various physiological and pathological processes.
• Examination of TG2 localization and regulatory mechanisms in different cellular compartments.

Main Results:

• TG2 participates in critical cellular processes such as adhesion, migration, apoptosis, and ECM organization.
• Its dysregulation is implicated in wound healing, inflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer, and fibrosis.
• TG2 is ubiquitously expressed and its activity is modulated by multiple factors within distinct cellular compartments.

Conclusions:

• TG2's multifaceted nature underpins its crucial role in diverse biological functions and disease pathogenesis.
• Understanding TG2's complex regulation is key to developing therapeutic strategies for associated diseases.
• Further research into TG2's cell-specific functions and interactions will elucidate its full biological significance.