Tissue transglutaminase (TGase 2) has been reported to have multiple functions in addition to its function as a biological adhesive. To identify its roles, we investigated the effects of TGase 2 on gelatinase activity. The MMP-9 activity of certain cell lines was significantly inhibited with retinoic acid treatment, and this effect was reversed in the presence of a TGase 2 inhibitor. Furthermore, TGase 2 overexpression reduced the MMP-9 protein expression levels and inhibited its activity in both culture media and cell lysate. The decreased mRNA levels of MMP-9 and the results of a promoter assay revealed that TGase 2 may be involved in MMP-9 transcription. Further, data obtained in an immunoprecipitation assay and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that TGase 2 binds to c-Jun and suppresses its binding activity toward AP-1. These results suggest that TGase 2 inhibits MMP-9 via downregulation of MMP-9 transcription activity by blocking the binding of the Jun-fos complex to an AP-1 site. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.