Tissue-transglutaminase in rat and human brain: light and electron immunocytochemical analysis and in situ hybridization study

Tissue-type transglutaminases constitute a family of enzymes having a dual role. They catalyze the post-translational modification of proteins and play a role in signal transduction pathways, several isoforms have been cloned in the brain. Many in vitro experiments and post-mortem studies have claimed that the enzyme plays a central role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, especially in CAG-triplet diseases. In the present investigation, we conducted an immunocytochemical study using two different antibodies raised against tissue-type transglutaminase. To confirm the enzyme expression, non-radioactive in situ hybridization was performed on adjacent sections. The study was completed by analyzing the ultrastructural localization of the enzyme by electron microscopy. Tissue-type transglutaminase was widely expressed in both the human and rat brain. Many positive cells exhibiting neuronal features were found in the brain and cerebellum. There was a preferential expression in elements of pyramidal and extrapyramidal pathways with less expression in the somatosensory system. The mRNA detection confirmed the distribution of the enzyme. The ultrastructural approach revealed the presence of the enzyme in all neuronal compartments. Light and electron microscopy studies showed the ubiquitous nature of the enzyme and its putative role in functional as well as putative pathological processes.