Transgelin, Human, Assay

Transgelin, known as SM22, emerges as a crucial 22 kDa calponin-like actin-binding protein that exhibits diverse isoforms (a-d) distinguished by their isoelectric points. This protein, soluble in water, predominates in intestinal smooth muscle tissues, underscoring its potential role in the maturation and differentiation of smooth muscle cells. As a marker, transgelin stands out in the detection of acute intestinal ischemia (AII), a severe abdominal emergency with a high risk of morbidity and mortality stemming from mesenteric blood flow disruption. This condition can lead to catastrophic damage to intestinal integrity, hypothesized to cause the release of muscle cell proteins like transgelin. Elevated transgelin levels in patients with transmural ischemia versus controls support this theory.

In the realm of oncology, transgelin’s diagnostic value becomes evident in leiomyosarcoma, a soft tissue sarcoma where myoid differentiation often points to a more aggressive disease profile. The correlation between transgelin and smooth muscle differentiation is significant, with studies revealing its abundance in leiomyosarcomatous differentiation. As researchers delve deeper into the nuances of transgelin’s function, its prominence in scientific investigations continues, with a focus on its biomarker potential for clinical emergencies and aggressive cancers.