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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
03:32
Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
Chitinases: biomarkers for human diseases
Shou-Ping Guan1, Yu-Keung Mok, Khai-Nee Koo
1Immunology Program, Center for Life Sciences, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 28 Medical Drive #03-05, Singapore.
Protein and Peptide Letters
|May 16, 2009
Summary
Human chitinases, part of the glycosyl hydrolase family 18 (GH18), play diverse roles. While some are active, most human GH18 members are chitolectins, lacking chitinolytic activity but implicated in various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human chitinases belong to the glycosyl hydrolase family 18 (GH18).
- Chitin, a polymer absent in vertebrates, is a key component of insect and fungal structures.
- Eight GH18 chitinases are identified in humans, including active forms like chitotriosidase and acidic mammalian chitinase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human chitinase characteristics.
- To compare structural variations within human GH18 members.
- To discuss the cellular regulation, function, and disease relevance of human chitinases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on human chitinases.
- Comparative analysis of GH18 member structures.
- Summary of current research on chitinase roles in human diseases.
Main Results:
- Most human chitinases (chitolectins) are catalytically inactive due to mutations.
- Structural differences exist among human GH18 family members.
- Human chitinases exhibit varied cellular regulation and functions.
Conclusions:
- Human chitinases, particularly chitolectins, are implicated in various human diseases.
- Understanding human chitinase structure and function is crucial for disease research.
- Further investigation into the roles of specific human chitinases in pathology is warranted.
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