Chitin oligosaccharide deacetylase is a key enzyme in the chitin catabolic cascade of chitinolytic Vibrio strains. Besides being a nutrient, the heterodisaccharide product 4-O-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)-D-glucosamine is a unique inducer of chitinase production in Vibrio parahemolyticus [2]. In contrast to EC 3.5.1.41 (chitin deacetylase) this enzyme is specific for the chitin disaccharide [1,3]. It also deacetylates the chitin trisaccharide with lower efficiency [3]. No activity with higher polymers of GlcNAc [1,3].
Kadokura K, Rokutani A, Yamamoto M, Ikegami T, Sugita H, Itoi S, Hakamata W, Oku T, Nishio T
Title
Purification and characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus extracellular chitinase and chitin oligosaccharide deacetylase involved in the production of heterodisaccharide from chitin.
Hirano T, Kadokura K, Ikegami T, Shigeta Y, Kumaki Y, Hakamata W, Oku T, Nishio T
Title
Heterodisaccharide 4-O-(N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyl)-D-glucosamine is a specific inducer of chitinolytic enzyme production in Vibrios harboring chitin oligosaccharide deacetylase genes.
