Chitin in the epidermal cuticle of a vertebrate (Paralipophrys trigloides, Blenniidae, Teleostei)

Abstract

Abstract. Lectin binding, endo-chitinase binding and enzymatic degradation studies show that the epidermal cuticle of the bony fish Paralipophrys trigloides (Blenniidae) is chitinous. This is the first evidence that a vertebrate species possesses a chitinous tissue. Recently a Xenopus gene has been identified which has significant sequence similarity to the catalytic domain of yeast chitin synthase III, a chitin producing enzyme ~,2. Taken together these two findings imply that chitin synthesis capability may be a basic vertebrate feature.

Isolation and identification of chitin in the black coral Parantipathes larix (Anthozoa: Cnidaria)

“…Phylogenetic results suggest that the chitin systems of fungi and animals are related, [2,3] and that this system is very ancient. Therefore it was not surprising that chitin was discovered in the skeletons of several demosponge species of the order Verongida, [4][5][6][7][8] as well as in some glass sponge (Hexactinellida) representatives [9][10][11], because sponges (Porifera) are probably the earliest chitin-based branching animals [12] and their fossil record dates back to the Precambrian [13,14].…”

Three-dimensional chitin-based scaffolds from Verongida sponges (Demospongiae: Porifera). Part I. Isolation and identification of chitin

“…In contrast, the collagen systems are almost exclusively of mesodermal origin and are involved in endoskeletons. Phylogenetic studies suggest that the chitin systems of fungi and animals are related [3,4] and appeared before collagen systems evolved. Because of their different developmental and evolutionary origin, the chitin and the collagen system are usually considered to be independent [2].…”

Is Chitosan a New Panacea? Areas of Application

“…Herring, P.J in 1979 wrote that chitin is the main component of arthropod exoskeletons, tendons, and the linings of their respiratory, excretory, and digestive systems, as well as insects external structure and some fungi. It is also found in the reflective material (iridophores) of both epidermis and eyes of arthropods and cephalopods (phylum: Mollusca) and the epidermal cuticle of the vertebrate Paralipophrys trigloides (fish) is also chitinous [7,8]. The main commercial sources of chitin are the shell wastes of shrimp, lobsters, crabs and krill.…”