Chil3

The protein encoded by this gene is similar to bacterial chitinases but lacks chitinase activity. The encoded protein is thought to function as a lectin and may be involved in inflammation and allergy. Lectin that binds saccharides with a free amino group, such as glucosamine or galactosamine. Binding to oligomeric saccharides is much stronger than binding to mono- or disaccharides. Also binds chitin and heparin. Has weak hexosaminidase activity but no chitinase activity. Has chemotactic activity for T-lymphocytes, bone marrow cells and eosinophils. May play a role in inflammation and allergy.

Full Name

chitinase-like 3

Function

Lectin that binds saccharides with a free amino group, such as glucosamine or galactosamine. Binding to oligomeric saccharides is much stronger than binding to mono- or disaccharides. Also binds chitin and heparin. Has weak hexosaminidase activity but no chitinase activity. Has chemotactic activity for T-lymphocytes, bone marrow cells and eosinophils. May play a role in inflammation and allergy.

Biological Process

Chitin catabolic process Source: GO_Central
Inflammatory response Source: MGI
Polysaccharide catabolic process Source: UniProtKB-KW

Cellular Location

Rough endoplasmic reticulum lumen; Secreted; Nucleus envelope; Cytoplasm; Cytoplasmic granule. Predominantly localizes to the lumen of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and nuclear envelope in alveolar macrophages. Localizes to the dilated lumen of rER in immature neutrophils in spleen and in cytoplasmic granules in peritoneal neutrophils. Detected in needle-shaped crystals present in the cytoplasm of bone marrow macrophages.