Genome‐wide identification of chitin‐binding proteins and characterization of BmCBP1 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Abstract The insect cuticle plays important roles in numerous physiological functions to protect the body from invasion of pathogens, physical injury and dehydration. In this report, we conducted a comprehensive genome‐wide search for genes encoding proteins with peritrophin A‐type (ChtBD2) chitin‐binding domain (CBD) in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. One of these genes, which encodes the cuticle protein BmCBP1, was additionally cloned, and its expression and location during the process of development and molting in B. mori were investigated. In total,