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Transglutaminases in Vascular Biology: Relevance for Vascular Remodeling and Atherosclerosis

2008; Karger Publishers; Volume: 45; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1159/000113599

1423-0135

Erik N.T.P. Bakker, Adrian Pistea, Ed VanBavel,

Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases

The transglutaminase (Tgase) family consists of nine known members of whom at least three are expressed in the vascular system: type 1 Tgase, type 2 Tgase and factor XIII. The cross-linking of proteins is a characteristic feature of Tgases, of well-known importance for stabilizing the blood clot and providing mechanical strength to tissues. However, recent data suggest that Tgases play a role in several other processes in vascular biology. These newly discovered areas include endothelial barrier function, small artery remodeling, and atherosclerosis.