EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB002620 (ZmEP3) on maize chromosome 1 encodes a chitinase with beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. The enzyme is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, polysaccharide breakdown, amino sugar metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. It has been linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, tissue remodeling, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. The protein localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicle, and extracellular space. ZmEP3 is associated with grain yield, plant height, stem diameter, ear diameter, root length, glucose content, lignin content, heterosis, and ethylene sensitivity. It has also been connected to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, and seed germination under salt stress. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.