Transglutaminases in inflammation and fibrosis of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver

• Published in: Digestive and liver disease Vol. 41; no. 8; pp. 541 - 550
• Main Authors: Elli, L, Bergamini, C.M, Bardella, M.T, Schuppan, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2009
• Subjects: Apoptosis - physiology; Celiac disease; Celiac Disease - physiopathology; Collagen; Crohn's disease; Enzyme Activation; Extracellular matrix; Fibrosis; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Gastrointestinal Diseases - physiopathology; Gliadin; GTP-Binding Proteins - chemistry; GTP-Binding Proteins - physiology; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammatory bowel disease; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - physiopathology; Liver Diseases - physiopathology; NFkB; Transglutaminases - chemistry; Transglutaminases - physiology; Ulcerative colitis; Inflammatory bowel disease; Celiac disease; Collagen; Gliadin; Extracellular matrix; Crohn's disease; NFkB; Ulcerative colitis
• ISSN: 1590-8658; 1878-3562
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2008.12.095

Abstract Transglutaminases are a family of eight currently known calcium-dependent enzymes that catalyze the cross-linking or deamidation of proteins. They are involved in important biological processes such as wound healing, tissue repair, fibrogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation and cell-cycle control. Therefore, they play important roles in the pathomechanisms of autoimmune, inflammatory and degenerative diseases, many of which affect the gastrointestinal system. Transglutaminase 2 is prominent, since it is central to the pathogenesis of celiac disease, and modulates inflammation and fibrosis in inflammatory bowel and chronic liver diseases. This review highlights our present understanding of transglutaminase function in gastrointestinal and liver diseases and therapeutic strategies that target transglutaminase activities.