EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB346860) on maize chromosome 8 encodes a chitinase with beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 19 and containing chitin-binding domains. The enzyme is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolic processes, and polysaccharide breakdown, and is localized extracellularly. It is linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, induced systemic resistance, and tissue remodeling. 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 responses and developmental processes.