Chitotriosidase/CHIT1 Proteins and Enzymes

Chitotriosidase, encoded by the CHIT1 gene, is a member of the chitinase family of endo-beta-1,4-linked N-acetylglucosaminases that cleave chitin, a structural component of cell walls and coatings of many organisms. Chitotriosidase is selectively expressed by activated tissue macrophages. Very high plasma levels of Chitotriosidase are found in patients with Gaucher disease type 1.