Chitinase 1 (CHIT1)

Chitotriosidase is secreted by activated human macrophages and is markedly elevated in plasma of Gaucher disease patients. The expression of chitotriosidase occurs only at a late stage of differentiation of monocytes to activated macrophages in culture.

Human macrophages can synthesize a functional chitotriosidase, a highly conserved enzyme with a strongly regulated expression. This enzyme may play a role in the degradation of chitin-containing pathogens. The findings suggested that a single gene encodes the different isoforms of chitotriosidase. The authors postulated that the enzyme may be involved in defense against and in degradation of chitin-containing pathogens such as fungi, nematodes, and insects.