EP3 — Oryza sativa Indica Group

Summary

BGIOSGA012876 (EP3, OiEP3) on chromosome 3 of Indica rice encodes a chitinase with beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, belonging to the glycoside hydrolase 19 family and containing a chitin-binding domain. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, polysaccharide catabolism, cell wall modification, and membrane biogenesis. It is linked to responses to fungi, oomycetes, insects, viruses, and silver ions, as well as to systemic acquired resistance, jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent signaling, and somatic embryogenesis. The encoded protein localizes to the apoplast, vacuole, plant-type cell wall, and secretory vesicles. Associations with drought tolerance, salt tolerance, seed germination under salt stress, ethylene sensitivity, and pathogen resistance have been noted. Related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.