Abstract
Human chitinases (EC.3.2.1.14) are classified into family 18 of glycosyl hydrolase (GH18) superfamily based on their amino acid sequence similarities. Active chitinase hydrolyzes chitin, a β-1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine oligosaccharide. Chitin is a major structural component of the insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, but is not found in vertebrates. In human, eight GH18 chitinases have been identified including active chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase. Most of the human chitinases lack chitinolytic activity due to mutation of an essential glutamic acid residue at the catalytic domain, and they are termed chitolectin. This review highlights some characteristics of human chitinases, compares structural differences among some human GH18 members, and discusses their cellular regulation and function. Finally, we summarize current views on the role of human chitinases in a variety of human diseases.
Keywords: Chitotriosidase, acidic mammalian chitinase, oviductin, YKL-40, YKL-39
Protein & Peptide Letters
Title: Chitinases: Biomarkers for Human Diseases
Volume: 16 Issue: 5
Author(s): Shou-Ping Guan, Yu-Keung Mok, Khai-Nee Koo, Kai-Ling Chu and W.S. Fred Wong
Affiliation:
Keywords: Chitotriosidase, acidic mammalian chitinase, oviductin, YKL-40, YKL-39
Abstract: Human chitinases (EC.3.2.1.14) are classified into family 18 of glycosyl hydrolase (GH18) superfamily based on their amino acid sequence similarities. Active chitinase hydrolyzes chitin, a β-1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine oligosaccharide. Chitin is a major structural component of the insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, but is not found in vertebrates. In human, eight GH18 chitinases have been identified including active chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase. Most of the human chitinases lack chitinolytic activity due to mutation of an essential glutamic acid residue at the catalytic domain, and they are termed chitolectin. This review highlights some characteristics of human chitinases, compares structural differences among some human GH18 members, and discusses their cellular regulation and function. Finally, we summarize current views on the role of human chitinases in a variety of human diseases.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Guan Shou-Ping, Mok Yu-Keung, Koo Khai-Nee, Chu Kai-Ling and Wong Fred W.S., Chitinases: Biomarkers for Human Diseases, Protein & Peptide Letters 2009; 16 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986609788167842
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986609788167842 |
Print ISSN 0929-8665 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5305 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Antibacterial Activities of Flavonoids: Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanism
Current Medicinal Chemistry Functional Polymeric Nano/Microparticles for Surface Adsorption and Delivery of Protein and DNA Vaccines
Current Drug Delivery Mechanisms and Characteristics of Sulfonylureas and Glinides
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry A Novel Potential Reproductive Effects of Pterocarpus marsupium Methanolic Extract on Testosterone Propionate Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Albino Rats
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Resveratrol and Cancer Treatment: Is Hormesis a Yet Unsolved Matter?
Current Pharmaceutical Design Potential of Nanocarriers in Genetic Immunization
Recent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation Endotoxin, TLR4 Signaling and Vascular Inflammation: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Cardiovascular Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Improvement of Bioactive Potential of Canavalia Beans of Coastal Sand Dunes by Solid-Substrate Fermentation Using Rhizopus oligosporus
Current Nutrition & Food Science Exercise Induced Cardioprotection: An Overview of a Unique Form of Preconditioning
Current Cardiology Reviews Nutrigenomics and Its Approaches for Control of Chronic Diseases
Current Biotechnology Statins and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Insomnia: An Overview of Scientific Evidence from 2008 to 2018
Current Vascular Pharmacology Best Practice for Atrial Fibrillation Patient Education
Current Pharmaceutical Design Bayes Syndrome and Imaging Techniques
Current Cardiology Reviews Potential Role of Inflammation in Associations between Particulate Matter and Heart Failure
Current Pharmaceutical Design Molecular Imaging of Therapeutic Potential of Reporter Probes
Current Drug Targets Cystathionine Beta Synthase as a Risk Factor for Alzheimer Disease
Current Alzheimer Research Lipoic Acid as a Potential Therapy for Chronic Diseases Associated with Oxidative Stress
Current Medicinal Chemistry Hypertension and Diabetes: Emphasis on the Renin-Angiotensin System in Atherosclerosis
Current Hypertension Reviews Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Based Therapeutics
Current Medicinal Chemistry