Transglutaminase and diseases of the central nervous system

Front Biosci. 2005 Sep 1:10:3078-92. doi: 10.2741/1764.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and diseases of expanded polyglutamine are associated with insoluble protein aggregates and neuronal death. A role for transglutaminase in the stabilization of these aggregates has been proposed. Diseases of polyglutamine expansion have been the most thoroughly investigated and a large body of studies supports the causative role of transglutaminase in aggregation of expanded polyglutamine. However none of the evidence is conclusive. Indisputable evidence of cross-linking by transglutaminase will be required in order to provide firm support for therapeutic measures based on the role of transglutaminase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / enzymology
  • Huntington Disease / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / enzymology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism*
  • Parkinson Disease / enzymology
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Peptides / physiology*
  • Transglutaminases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • polyglutamine
  • Transglutaminases