Hair Follicle Transglutaminases and the Formation of ε-(γ-Glutamyl) Cross-Links
January 1981
TLDR Transglutaminases help form strong hair by linking proteins, and can potentially alter hair properties.
The document discussed the role of transglutaminases, which are calcium-dependent enzymes, in the formation of normal hair by cross-linking proteins in the hair follicle. These enzymes form covalent bonds between specific amino acid residues, contributing to the structural integrity of hair. The study highlighted that structural analogues of natural substrates could be incorporated into hair, potentially altering its properties. The research also differentiated between epidermal and follicular transglutaminases, noting their biochemical and immunological differences, and suggested the possibility of selectively modifying hair or epidermal proteins through transglutaminase-mediated procedures.
