Chitinases and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) belong to the glycoside hydrolase family 18 of proteins. Chitinases are expressed in mammals and lower organisms, facilitate chitin degradation, and hence act as host-defence enzymes.

Is chitinase a protein?

The chitinase-like-protein, YKL-40, was first discovered in mouse breast cancer cells and named BRP-39. YKL-40 binds chitin, but unlike CHIT1 and AMCase, nearly all studies of this chitinase-like protein focus on its endogenous “chitin independent” effector functions.

Which foods contain chitinase?

Presence in food

Chitinases occur naturally in many common foods. Phasoleus vulgaris, bananas, chestnuts, kiwifruit, avocados, papaya, and tomatoes, for example, all contain significant levels of chitinase, as defense against fungal and invertebrate attack.