Cht7 — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS7D02G453900 (symbol Cht7, also known as Hfr-3) on bread wheat chromosome 7D encodes a chitinase with chitin-binding and sugar-binding activity, belonging to the endochitinase-like superfamily. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolic processes, and defence responses to fungi. It is linked to insect resistance and insect damage response traits, as well as shoot fresh weight and auxin content. Associations with seed size regulation, seed development, root and vegetative structure development, and auxin signalling pathways have been observed. The gene is associated with upregulation of mitosis and cell division. Studies of related sequences in other species place the family within chitinase EC 3.2.1.14, though this specific activity is not established for the wheat gene.