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Preface The Workshop on Transglutaminases, Protein Cross-Linking and Coeliac Disease The aim of the Tampere workshop was to bring together two research areas, namely basic research on transglutaminases and coeliac disease research. The workshop aimed to advance collaboration and research between the opinion leaders and experts in these disciplines. Tissue transglutaminase has only recently been shown to be the major gluten-triggered autoantigen in coeliac disease. It is therefore potentially involved in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease as well as in the various extraintestinal manifestations triggered by gluten. Even though coeliac disease is one of the most common food intolerances, which affects certain genetically susceptible individuals, many scientific facts about the disease are still not well known. The identification of tissue transglutaminase as the major autoantigen started a new era of research on the pathogenesis of coeliac disease. The role of tissue transglutaminase and protein cross-linking in the turnover of epithelial cells along the small bowel crypt-villus axis, and in the integrity of the small bowel mucosa, is of utmost importance. Therefore, the breakdown of the matrix and the increased apoptosis of small bowel mucosal epithelial cells are subjects of active research. We envision, as an outcome of the Tampere workshop, not only future collaboration between research groups but also a continuation of this kind of interdisciplinary get-together. This edition is a collection of articles based on the lectures presented at the workshop. The meeting was organised by the Coeliac Disease Study Group of the University of Tampere. The organisers wish to thank the invited speakers and other participants for bringing their latest research results. Altogether, 25 distinguished speakers from 10 different countries attended the workshop, which was made possible by financial support from the European Science Foundation, Academy of Finland, Eurospital S.p.A., Pharmacia Diagnostics Ab, Amylum Belgium N.V., Biofons Ltd., INOVA Diagnostics Inc., and Immuno Diagnostic Ltd., as well as the University of Tampere. Markku Mäki |