EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB078740) on maize chromosome 2 encodes a protein with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), chitin binding and protein binding functions, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolic processes, amino sugar metabolism, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. It is linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, and tissue remodeling. Localization evidence places the product in the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, and secretory vesicles. Associations with agronomic traits include grain yield, plant height, stem diameter, ear diameter, starch digestibility, glucose content, lignin content, root length, and heterosis. The gene is also connected to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, seed germination under salt stress, and ethylene sensitivity. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.