EP3 — Oryza sativa Indica Group

Summary

BGIOSGA019155 (EP3, OiEP3) on chromosome 5 of Indica rice encodes a chitinase with beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family and containing a chitin-binding domain. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, polysaccharide breakdown, and membrane biogenesis. It is linked to responses to fungi, oomycetes, insects, viruses, silver ions, amitrole, and hypoxia, as well as to systemic acquired resistance, jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance, and somatic embryogenesis. The encoded protein localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicle, and extracellular space. Associations with drought tolerance, salt tolerance, seed germination under salt stress, ethylene sensitivity, and pathogen resistance have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.