Hyperactivation of human acidic chitinase (Chia) for potential medical use.

ABSTRACT: Accumulation of environmental chitin in the lungs can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in acidic chitinase (Chia)-deficient mice. Transgenic expression of Chia in these mice ameliorated the symptoms, indicating the potential of enzyme supplementation as a promising therapeutic strategy for related lung diseases. This study focuses on utilizing hyperactivated human Chia, which exhibits low activity. We achieved significant activation of human Chia by incorporating nine amino acids derived from the crab-eating monkey (Macaca fascicularis) Chia, known for its robust chitin-degrading activity. The modified human Chia retained high activity across a broad pH spectrum and exhibited enhanced thermal stability. The amino acid substitutions associa

SUBMITTER: Okawa K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11773036 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature