EP3 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OS04G0494100 (EP3, also known as Cht5) encodes a protein with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), chitin binding and protein binding functions, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. In rice, this gene is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, polysaccharide breakdown, and amino sugar metabolism. It is also linked to wax metabolism, diterpenoid metabolism, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. The protein localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, and secretory vesicles. EP3 is associated with several agronomically important traits including grain yield, grain weight, grain length and width, seed size and shape, plant height, brittle culm, cellulose content, chlorophyll content, heat tolerance, seedling vigor, germination rate, and salt tolerance. It is also linked to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, and oxidative stress response.