Abstract

Tissue transglutaminase functions as a protein crosslinking enzyme and an integrin-binding adhesion co-receptor for fibronectin on the cell surface. These activities of transglutaminase and the involvement of this protein in cell-matrix adhesion, integrin-mediated signaling, cell migration and matrix organization suggest a precise and efficient control of its cell-surface expression. We report a novel mechanism of regulation of surface transglutaminase through internalization and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Constitutive endocytosis of cell-surface transglutaminase depends on plasma membrane cholesterol and the activity of dynamin-2, and involves both clathrin-coated pits and lipid rafts or caveolae. Furthermore, the key matrix ligands of transglutaminase, fibronectin and platelet-derived growth factor, promote its endocytosis from the cell surface. Our results also indicate that transglutaminase interacts in vitro and on the cell surface with the major endocytic receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, and demonstrate the requirement for this receptor in the endocytosis of transglutaminase. Finally, a deficiency of this endocytic receptor or blockade of endo-lysosomal function upregulate transglutaminase expression on the cell surface, leading to increased cell adhesion and matrix crosslinking. These findings characterize a previously unknown pathway of transglutaminase internalization and degradation that might be crucial for regulation of its adhesive and signaling functions on the cell surface and reveal a novel functional link between cell-matrix adhesion and endocytosis.