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ISSN : 1225-0171(Print)
ISSN : 2287-545X(Online)
ISSN : 2287-545X(Online)
Korean Journal of Applied Entomology Vol.64 No.4 pp.231-242
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5656/KSAE.2025.09.0.029
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5656/KSAE.2025.09.0.029
Functional Importance of Epidermal Chitinases and Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases in Chitinous Cuticle Degradation During Insect Molting
Abstract
Insect exoskeleton or cuticle is an extracellular matrix primarily formed from the linear structural polysaccharide chitin and cuticular proteins, which serves as skin and skeleton, protecting them from environmental stresses, mechanical damage and pathogenic microorganisms. However, insects must periodically replace their old cuticle with a new one in a vital physiological process called ‘molting and ecdysis’ to accommodate their continuous growth and development. During each molting process, in addition to deposition of new cuticle, the old cuticle must be degraded simultaneously. Many studies have demonstrated that certain chitinases (CHTs) and β-N-acetylglucosaminidases (NAGs) present in molting fluid play roles in cuticular chitin degradation. Beside these chitinolytic enzymes, recent studies have indicated that lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), which oxidatively cleave glycosidic bonds in the crystalline chitin fibers, are also critical for turnover of the old cuticle. Here, we review the functional importance of the CHTs and LPMOs and provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of cuticular chitin degradation required for completion of insect molting.
초록
Vol. 40 No. 4 (2022.12)
Frequency Quarterly
Doi Prefix 10.5656/KSAE
Year of Launching 1962
Publisher Korean Society of Applied Entomology
Online Submission
submission.entomology2.or.kr
KSAE
The Korean Society of Applied Entomology
