Transglutaminase 2 takes center stage as a cancer cell survival factor and therapy target

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression.
• TG2 plays a role in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance.
• TG2 exists in distinct conformations, influencing cell survival and death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of TG2 in human cancers.
• To summarize the known mechanisms of TG2 action across various cancer types.
• To discuss the potential of TG2 as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on TG2 in cancer.
• Analysis of TG2's functional mechanisms and conformational states.
• Discussion of preclinical and clinical evidence regarding TG2 targeting.

Main Results:

• TG2 is implicated in multiple hallmarks of cancer, including invasion, migration, and stem cell maintenance.
• Both GTP-bound and transamidase-active conformations of TG2 contribute to cancer cell survival.
• Evidence suggests TG2's involvement in diverse human malignancies.

Conclusions:

• TG2 is a significant contributor to cancer cell survival and progression.
• Understanding TG2's dual conformational activity is crucial for therapeutic development.
• TG2 represents a viable and important target for novel anti-cancer therapies.