EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB228510) on maize chromosome 5 encodes a protein with chitinase activity, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, chitin binding and protein binding, classified as EC 3.2.1.14. The product 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. Localization evidence connects the protein to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicle, and extracellular space. Associations with agronomic traits include grain yield, plant height, ear diameter, stem diameter, root length, glucose content, lignin content, heterosis, and insect damage. The gene is also linked to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, and seed germination under salt stress. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to pollen tube growth and disease resistance to Botrytis cinerea.