Transglutaminase 2-Mediated Gene Regulation

Two decades ago, transglutaminase 2 (TG2) was considered as an end of cellular signaling, such as in the case of factor XIIIa as the last step in the blood clotting cascade. Recently we have observed that TG2 cross-linking activity can change the gene expression through transcription factor activation via suppressor regulation. Many recent studies have elucidated a clearer picture of TG2 working on gene regulation under various cellular stresses. The stress-inducible nature of TG2 has helped to provide a deeper insight into the stress-related functions of TG2, providing contrast with its role under a resting/normal state. This chapter focuses on the molecular mechanisms related to TG2-mediated gene regulation under various stresses including inflammation, sepsis, and cancer, all of which are recognized as TG2-associated biological states in the field today. Under these conditions, it can be shown that TG2 directly commands gene regulation.