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First published online November 10, 2003

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The Journal of Experimental Biology 206, 4393-4412 (2003)
doi: 10.1242/jeb.00709

Review Article

Chitin metabolism in insects: structure, function and regulation of chitin synthases and chitinases

Hans Merzendorfer^* and Lars Zimoch

Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany

^* Author for correspondence (e-mail: merzendorfer{at}biologie.uni-osnabrueck.de)

Accepted 9 September 2003

Chitin is one of the most important biopolymers in nature. It is mainly produced by fungi, arthropods and nematodes. In insects, it functions as scaffold material, supporting the cuticles of the epidermis and trachea as well as the peritrophic matrices lining the gut epithelium. Insect growth and morphogenesis are strictly dependent on the capability to remodel chitin-containing structures. For this purpose, insects repeatedly produce chitin synthases and chitinolytic enzymes in different tissues. Coordination of chitin synthesis and its degradation requires strict control of the participating enzymes during development. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in understanding chitin synthesis and its degradation in insects.

Key words: chitin, chitin synthesis, chitin synthase, chitinase, cuticle, peritrophic matrix, insect

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