EP3 — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3006G132200 (SbEP3) encodes a chitinase enzyme (EC 3.2.1.14) with chitin-binding and catalytic domains, classified as a member of the glycoside hydrolase 19 family. This sorghum gene on chromosome 6 is associated with chitin breakdown, polysaccharide catabolism, cell wall macromolecule catabolic process, and amino sugar metabolism. It is linked to responses to oomycetes, insects, and viruses, as well as to salt stress, silver ions, and amitrole. The encoded protein is associated with systemic acquired resistance, jasmonic acid/ethene-dependent systemic resistance, somatic embryogenesis, and detoxification. Localization evidence places the product in the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicles, and plasma membrane. Associations with ethylene sensitivity, pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, and seed germination under salt stress have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to disease resistance, salt response, and starch-related traits.