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Chitin metabolism in insects: structure, function and regulation of chitin synthases and chitinases

2003/11/10 by Hans Merzendorfer, Lars Zimoch · 30 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Studies on Chitinases and Chitosanases #Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences #Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis

paper · doi:10.1242/jeb.00709

Abstract

Chitin is one of the most important biopolymers in nature. It is mainly produced by fungi, arthropods and nematodes. In insects, it functions as scaffold material, supporting the cuticles of the epidermis and trachea as well as the peritrophic matrices lining the gut epithelium. Insect growth and morphogenesis are strictly dependent on the capability to remodel chitin-containing structures. For this purpose, insects repeatedly produce chitin synthases and chitinolytic enzymes in different tissues. Coordination of chitin synthesis and its degradation requires strict control of the participating enzymes during development. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in understanding chitin synthesis and its degradation in insects.

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