Biotechnological Applications of Transglutaminases

Biomolecules

Natalie M. Rachel¹ 

[1] Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada; E-Mail:

关键词: biocatalysis;    transglutaminase;    protein modification;    protein labeling;   

DOI  :  10.3390/biom3040870

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

In nature, transglutaminases catalyze the formation of amide bonds between proteins to form insoluble protein aggregates. This specific function has long been exploited in the food and textile industries as a protein cross-linking agent to alter the texture of meat, wool, and leather. In recent years, biotechnological applications of transglutaminases have come to light in areas ranging from material sciences to medicine. There has also been a substantial effort to further investigate the fundamentals of transglutaminases, as many of their characteristics that remain poorly understood. Those studies also work towards the goal of developing transglutaminases as more efficient catalysts. Progress in this area includes structural information and novel chemical and biological assays. Here, we review recent achievements in this area in order to illustrate the versatility of transglutaminases.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.