InterPro domain: IPR036508

This entry represents a chitin binding domain superfamily [ 1 ]. It is found in (amongst others) the Peritrophin-A chitin binding proteins, particularly the peritrophic matrix proteins of insects and animal chitinases [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Copies of the domain are also found in some baculoviruses. It is an extracellular domain that contains six conserved cysteines that probably form three disulphide bridges. Chitin binding has been demonstrated for a protein containing only two of these domains [ 5 ].

1. Chitin-binding proteins in invertebrates and plants comprise a common chitin-binding structural motif. J. Biol. Chem. 275, 17929-32
2. A type I peritrophic matrix protein from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae binds to chitin. Cloning, expression, and characterization. J. Biol. Chem. 273, 17665-70
3. Characterization of a major peritrophic membrane protein, peritrophin-44, from the larvae of Lucilia cuprina. cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences. J. Biol. Chem. 271, 8925-35
4. Antibody-mediated inhibition of the growth of larvae from an insect causing cutaneous myiasis in a mammalian host. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94, 8939-44