TGM2 (D11A6) XP^® Rabbit mAb #3557

Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) is a calcium-dependent enzyme that cross-links both cytosolic and extracellular matrix proteins by catalyzing the formation of bonds between lysine and glutamine residues (1). This bifunctional enzyme also has intrinsic GTPase activity, and it has been suggested that regulation of the transamidase activity might be regulated through a G-protein coupled receptor-signaling pathway (2). In cross-linking peptides, TGM2 helps to regulate cytoskeletal structure, cell migration, apoptosis and cell-matrix adhesion. In addition, the enzyme plays an important role in wound healing and the immune response (3). TGM2 has exhibited kinase activity in vitro, with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) as one possible substrate (4). This widely expressed protein is localized to the cytosol and nucleus, but has also been isolated from the cell surface and extracellular matrix (reviewed in 5). Because of its interaction with a number of different substrates, and its role in the response to injury, TGM2 has been associated with the pathology of a number of human disorders. It has long been recognized as the major autoantigen in celiac disease (6); altered TGM2 expression or activity may be associated with Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and numerous forms of cancer (reviewed in 7).