Novel Polypeptides and Use Thereof

A polypeptide capable of modulating tissue transglutaminase-induced cell behaviour comprises either (a) a heparin-binding site of a tissue transglutaminase (TG2), or a functional fragment, variant, fusion or derivative thereof, or an antibody capable of binding to the heparin-binding site of TG2, or a antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof. Peptides comprising the heparin-binding site of TG2 bind to heparin-sulphate proteoglycans such as syndecan-4, and may be used for wound healing, and for use in medical implants. Antibodies binding to the heparin-binding site of TG2 may be useful for inhibiting angiogenesis, and treating fibrosis (including cystic fibrosis), scarring, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, thrombosis, cancer, AIDS, psoriasis, chronic inflammatory diseases, coeliac disease and organ transplant rejection.