EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB228500) on maize chromosome 5 encodes a protein with chitinase activity, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, and chitin binding, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. The gene is associated with chitin and polysaccharide breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, amino sugar metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. It is linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, tissue remodeling, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. Associations include grain yield, ear diameter, plant height, stem diameter, root length, glucose and lignin content, heterosis, and ethylene sensitivity. The gene is also connected to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, and seed germination under salt stress. The protein localizes to the apoplast, cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicles, and extracellular space. Related genes in other species link the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.