EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB272050) on maize chromosome 6 encodes a chitinase with beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and chitinase activities (EC 3.2.1.14), belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase family 19 and containing chitin-binding domains. The enzyme is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolic processes, amino sugar metabolism, and polysaccharide breakdown. It is associated with induced systemic resistance, tissue remodeling, ear development, shoot regeneration, and killing of cells of other organisms. The protein localizes extracellularly. Associations with agronomic traits include grain yield, plant height, stem diameter, ear diameter, root length, lignin content, glucose content, insect damage, and heterosis. Studies of related genes in other species further connect the family to defense and developmental processes.