[Research progress in chondroitinase ABC].

As the components of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear polysaccharides consisting of hexose and uronic acid units linked by β-1,3-glycosidic bond. GAGs mainly distribute in extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces. They guide many biological processes, such as proliferation of cells, transmission of signals and mediation of inflammation. Because of their large molecular weights, GAGs have limited biological functions in vitro. However, the appearance of chondroitinase ABC (ChSase ABC), which can lyse polysaccharides, solves the difficulties. Based on our work, we summarized the classification and the crystal structure of ChSase ABC, as well as other recent research progress on ChSase ABCs. The separation and purification methods of ChSase ABC and construction of engineering bacteria are illustrated. The stability and immobilization are also analyzed by taking account of the characterization of ChSase ABC. Finally, problems and future prospect of the ChSase ABC study are summarized.