Visualization of α-Chitin with a Specific Chitin-Binding Protein (CHB1) fromStreptomyces olivaceoviridis

Abstract

Recently we identified a so far unique protein (CHB1) which interacts specifically with crystalline α-chitin. Having optimized the binding conditions for CHB1 coupled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), we succeeded in developing a highly sensitive assay to detect α-chitin. CHB1–FITC interacted neither with β- or colloidal chitin nor with chitooligomers or cellulose. With the help of fluorescence or confocal laser microscopy, the relative location of crystalline α-chitin within various native samples of fungi and other organisms can be clearly and rapidly visualized.