The history of the enzyme class of
transglutaminases started almost 60 years ago, when the term
transglutaminase (TG) was introduced in scientific literature by Heinrich Waelsch 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
transglutaminase family members and their implications in physiology, diseases and diagnostics - as it is known today.