Progress in the Studies of Fungal Chitin Synthases

Abstract:

Chitin is one of the most important component in fungal cell wall. Biosynthesis of chitin is a complex processes and needs several chitin synthase isoenzymes. The knowledge of structure, function and regulation of chitin synthases is mainly derived from the study of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast with the 3 chitin synthases in S. cerevisiae, 7 were found in most filamentous fungi. In this review the classification and function of chitin synthases are summerized, and progress in the studies on chitin synthases of filamentous fungi which are of theoretical or medical or agricultural importance, including Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Ustilago maydis are emphasized. Recent advance of research on chitin synthase as antifungal target is also discussed.