TGM2 Human

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG), also known as transglutaminase 2 (TG2), is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell adhesion, extracellular matrix assembly, and wound healing . It is widely expressed in human tissues such as the skin, liver, and jejunal mucosa . Recombinant human tissue transglutaminase (rh-tTG) is a form of this enzyme that is produced through recombinant DNA technology, allowing for its use in research and clinical applications.

Tissue transglutaminase is best known for its role as the autoantigen in celiac disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten . In individuals with celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly targets tTG, leading to inflammation and damage to the small intestine . Beyond celiac disease, tTG has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various other conditions, including different cancers and neurodegenerative diseases .

Recombinant human tissue transglutaminase is typically produced using mammalian cell lines, such as the human embryonic kidney cell line 293-EBNA . The enzyme is expressed as a C-terminal fusion protein with a tag (e.g., Strep-tag II) that facilitates its purification via affinity chromatography . This method ensures that the recombinant enzyme retains its activity and can be used for various biochemical assays and diagnostic tests.

Tissue transglutaminase catalyzes the formation of covalent bonds between glutamine residues and primary amines, a process known as transamidation . This reaction is essential for the cross-linking of proteins, which contributes to the stability and integrity of the extracellular matrix . In the context of celiac disease, tTG modifies gluten peptides, making them more immunogenic and triggering an autoimmune response .

Recombinant human tissue transglutaminase is used in various research and clinical applications. For instance, it is employed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to diagnose gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE), including celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis . These assays detect antibodies against tTG in patient sera, providing a non-invasive and reliable diagnostic tool .