NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 133

Supervisor: Dr. Bonner

Title: The effects of luteolin on transglutaminase activity
Student: Yan Yue, Leung (N0525556)
Tissue transglutaminase is a protein with multiple enzymatic activity and involved in
a variety of physiological process. It is especially important in pathology of celiac
disease. Studies had proof the inhibition of tissue transglutaminase will supress the
disease progress in vitro.
Luteolin is a flavonoid, which is widely distribute in the plant kingdom. It has many
positive effects to the cell, and it was also found to inhibit some enzyme.
As luteolin is common in plant, there is a great chance that it will came into contact
with tissue transglutaminase in intestine. So if luteolin is able to inhibit tissue
transglutaminase in vitro, than it can theoretically heal the patient with celiac
disease.
Result of this research shows that luteolin does not affect the transglutaminase
activity. This suggest the luteolin will not treat celiac disease patient.