NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 46

Investigation of isolated and synergistic effects of flavonoids on tissue
transglutaminase: A neurodegenerative perspective
Aaron Horsey
Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS

Abstract
Flavonoids are ubiquitous dietary polyphenols that have become of interest due to association with
a variety of health benefits. Here, catechin, a single flavonoid, and black tea, containing a variety of
flavonoids, were investigated for their impact on tissue transglutaminase by activity assays and
protein analysis. This enzyme has been associated to the accumulation of protein aggregates in
neurodegenerative disease for which current treatments are not sufficient. Therefore, this study
proposed that the health benefits of the above flavonoid components may be via inhibition of
transglutaminase activity in order to present flavonoids as therapeutic leads and transglutaminase as
a target. However, no effect was observed with the treatment of catechin but significant inhibition
was seen with tea extract implying that this mechanism may be involved in the recognised benefits
of flavonoid consumption.