Differential transglutaminase distribution in normal rat liver and rat hepatoma.

Distribution of transglutaminase activity was determined in normal rat liver, a 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced primary hepatoma, and the Novikoff hepatoma. Over 90% of the total enzyme activity was found in the 105,000 X g supernatant of normal liver, whereas only 30% was found in this fraction of the hepatomas, the remainder being found in the particulate fraction. The is distribution pattern did not correlate with protein distribution nor did it change during cellular proliferation, since regenerating liver and embryonic tissue had the same pattern as normal liver. Cell protein was a suitable acceptor substrate for the enzyme. Kinetic analyses showed that liver and hepatoma enzymes had a similar Km and Vmax for putrescine incorporation into cell protein. Hepatoma particulate enzyme was more stable than either liver or hepatoma supernatant enzyme. The enzyme may also act as the acceptor molecule.