The history of the enzyme class of transglutaminases started 50 years ago, when the term transglutaminase (TG) was introduced in scientific literature by Heinrich Waelsh and coworkers.
Today, we know that we are talking about a family of nine different isoenzymes in the human body.
Although transglutaminases have one basic common feature – the formation of high molecular weight aggregates by covalent protein cross-linking – they fulfill a plentitude of other catalytic and physiological functions.
The sketch below gives you a rough overview about the members and their implications in physiology, diseases and diagnostics - as it is known today.
