HMS — Zea mays

Summary

ZmHMS (ZM00001EB099940) on maize chromosome 2 encodes a protein with pectinesterase activity (EC 3.1.1.11) and pectinesterase inhibitor activity, placing it in the pectinesterase/invertase inhibitor family. The gene is associated with bract development, floral organ morphogenesis, pollen adhesion, reproductive processes, and pigment accumulation. It is linked to tassel branch number, leaf angle, plant height, anthesis time, cold tolerance, lignin content, pollen fertility, and cytoplasmic male sterility. Additional associations include seed mucilage structure and adherence, pectin methylesterification, stomatal function, and plant growth. The encoded protein localises to the apoplast, extracellular region, nucleus, and stress granules, and is associated with defence response against Gram-negative bacteria, endosomal transport, and protein secretion.