EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB078720) on maize chromosome 2 encodes a chitinase with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), chitin binding, sugar binding, and protein binding functions, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, amino sugar metabolism, cell wall macromolecule catabolic processes, ear development, tissue remodeling, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. It has been linked to grain yield, plant height, stem diameter, ear diameter, root length, starch digestibility, glucose content, lignin content, heterosis, and ethylene sensitivity. Associations also include pathogen resistance, salt tolerance, seed germination under salt stress, nematode resistance, and wilt symptom development. The protein localizes to the apoplast, cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicles, and extracellular space. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.