The research progress of chitinase in crustaceans

Abstract Chitin is polymerized from N-Acetyl- d -Glucosamine (GlcNAc) via β -(1,4) glucoside bonds, and the second largest class of polymers in nature after cellulose. Chitinase, a glycoside hydrolase, catalyses the hydrolysis of chitin into GlcNAc, and chitinase is prevalent in chitin-containing organisms, as well as in organisms lacking chitin. It plays crucial roles in various biological processes including chitin degradation, cell wall metabolism and remodelling, maintenance of cell wall integrity and stability, sterilization, insecticidal effects, and digestion. In crustaceans, chitinase participates not only in the moulting process but also in the digestion of chitin-containing food and defence against pathogens. This paper briefly reviews the structure, classification, distribution, and functions of chitinase in crustaceans, aiming to provide insights for future research.