CHIT3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB157820 (CHIT3) on maize chromosome 3 encodes a chitinase with lysozyme activity and calcium ion binding, classified under EC 3.2.1.14 and belonging to the glycoside hydrolase 18 family. The gene is associated with aflatoxin breakdown, tissue remodeling, induction of programmed cell death, and amino sugar metabolism. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including grain yield, grain weight, grain length, grain lysine content, starch content, protein content, plant height, ear diameter, stem diameter, root length, drought tolerance, salinity tolerance, water use efficiency, transpiration rate, stomatal resistance, anthesis time, heterosis, and insect damage. The encoded protein localizes to the vacuole, amyloplast, and extracellular space.