Transglutaminases: Expression in Kidney and Relation to Kidney Fibrosis

Kidney fibrosis is regarded as a chronic wound response and tissue remodeling process consequent to a persistent tissue damage. The fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, fibroblast proliferation and chronic inflammation that leads to loss of tissue architecture and function. Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is an essential component of wound repair and overexpression of TG2 and/or excessive crosslinking by TG2 have been notably linked to the pathogenesis of fibrosis in various organs. In this chapter, we discuss chronic kidney disease as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, whose characteristic trait is fibrosis. We attempt to review recent thinking on the cellular and molecular causes of kidney fibrosis and review studies linking the role and enzymatic activity of TG2 with the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis. Additionally we discuss how TG2 represents a new treatment target, which has catalyzed advances in the treatment of kidney disease.