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 associated with hyperactivation of human Chia activity occurred species specifically in monkey Chia. This discovery highlights the potential of hyperactivated Chia in treating pulmonary diseases resulting from chitin accumulation in human lungs.

Bioinova a s Prague Czech Republic

Department of Chemistry and Life Science Kogakuin University Hachioji Tokyo Japan

Department of Chemistry and Life Science Kogakuin University Hachioji Tokyo Japan; Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Tokyo Japan

Department of Chemistry and Life Science Kogakuin University Hachioji Tokyo Japan; School of Bioscience and Biotechnology Tokyo University of Technology Hachioji Tokyo Japan

Zobrazit více v PubMed

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