EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB078730) on maize chromosome 2 encodes a protein with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), chitin binding, and protein binding, containing Glyco_hydro_19 and chitin-binding domains. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, amino sugar metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. It is linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, tissue remodeling, hormone transport, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. Associations with agronomic traits include grain yield, plant height, stem diameter, ear diameter, root length, starch digestibility, glucose content, lignin content, heterosis, and insect damage. The gene is also connected to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, seed germination under salt stress, and wilt symptom development. Its product localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicle, and extracellular space.