background:
Chitinases catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, which is an abundant glycopolymer found in insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. The glycoside hydrolase 18 family of chitinases includes eight human family members. This gene encodes a glycoprotein member of the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family. The protein lacks chitinase activity and is secreted by activated macrophages, chondrocytes, neutrophils and synovial cells. The protein is thought to play a role in the process of inflammation and tissue remodeling. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]
Function:
Carbohydrate-binding lectin with a preference for chitin. May play a role in defense against pathogens, or in tissue remodeling. May play an important role in the capacity of cells to respond to and cope with changes in their environment.
Subunit:
Monomer.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted, extracellular space.
Tissue Specificity:
Present in articular chondrocytes, synovial cells as well as in liver. Undetectable in muscle tissues, lung, pancreas, mononuclear cells, or fibroblasts.
Similarity:
Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 1116 Human
Entrez Gene: 12654 Mouse
Entrez Gene: 396865 Pig
Entrez Gene: 89824 Rat
Omim: 601525 Human
SwissProt: P36222 Human
SwissProt: Q61362 Mouse
SwissProt: Q5RBP6 Orangutan
SwissProt: Q29411 Pig
SwissProt: Q9WTV1 Rat
Unigene: 382202 Human
Unigene: 38274 Mouse
Unigene: 68940 Rat
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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