Glycosyl hydrolase family 18 chitinase (GH18)

Glycosyl hydrolase family 18 (GH18) chitinases are a group of evolutionary conserved proteins that include both active enzymes and non-enzymatic chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) (Source: CAZy Database). In humans, the primary active members are chitotriosidase (CHIT1) and acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase), which function to degrade chitin, a structural polymer found in fungi, insects, and helminths (Source: UniProt P51606, Q9BZP6). Although humans do not synthesize chitin, these proteins are highly expressed during innate immune responses and are strongly associated with Th2-mediated inflammation (Source: PubMed PMID: 21854357). GH18 members play critical roles in the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, as well as in fibrotic conditions and various cancers where they promote cell survival and tissue remodeling (Source: PubMed PMID: 29454100). Therapeutic strategies currently focus on developing small-molecule inhibitors, such as OAT-177, to modulate their enzymatic or signaling activities in inflammatory and oncology indications (Source: PubMed PMID: 30103318).

Other names

Family 18 chitinaseMammalian chitinaseChitinase-like proteinCLPChitotriosidaseAcidic mammalian chitinase

Inhibition of chitinolytic activity through competitive binding at the catalytic site or blocking of signaling pathways mediated by chitinase-like protein interactions.