Human Epidermal Transglutaminase: Enzyme Crucial for Epidermal Terminal Differentiation

The study from 1983 focused on human epidermal transglutaminase, an enzyme crucial for epidermal terminal differentiation. It required calcium or strontium and a free sulfhydryl group, similar to liver transglutaminase, but unlike plasma transglutaminase, it did not need proteolytic activation. The enzyme's activity increased significantly after treatment with organic solvents, heat, and chaotropic reagents, although these treatments did not change its molecular weight or immunologic properties. The research aimed to develop monoclonal antibodies for detailed structural analysis and to explore safe methods for modulating the enzyme's function in human epidermal diseases.