EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB246640) on maize chromosome 5 encodes a protein with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), chitin binding and protein binding. The gene is associated with cell wall macromolecule catabolic processes, chitin breakdown, amino sugar and mannose metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and tissue remodeling. It is linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, sporulation, fermentation, biofilm formation, nitrogen fixation, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance signaling. Localization evidence connects the product to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, vacuole, secretory vesicles, and extracellular space. The gene is associated with grain yield, plant height, stem and ear diameter, root length, lignin and glucose content, heterosis, and ethylene sensitivity. It is also linked to pathogen resistance, nematode resistance, salt tolerance, and seed germination under salt stress.