EP3 — Oryza sativa Indica Group

Summary

BGIOSGA012877 (EP3, OiEP3) on chromosome 3 of Indica rice encodes a protein with beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity and chitinase activity, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family and containing chitin-binding domains. 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 defense signaling, and somatic embryogenesis. The encoded protein localizes to the apoplast, cell wall, vacuole, and secretory vesicles. Associations with drought tolerance, salt tolerance, seed germination under salt stress, pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, and ethylene sensitivity have been noted. Related genes in other species are linked to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.