EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB022500) on maize chromosome 1 encodes a chitinase with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14) and chitin binding. The gene is associated with chitin and polysaccharide breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, ear development, tissue remodeling, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. It has been linked to grain yield, plant height, stem and ear diameter, root length, lignin and glucose content, heterosis, ethylene sensitivity, and insect damage. Associations also include pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, and seed germination under salt stress. The protein localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicle, and extracellular space. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.