EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB354540) on maize chromosome 8 encodes a protein with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14), beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, and chitin binding, belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 19. The protein is localised to the vacuole. ZmEP3 is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, polysaccharide breakdown, amino sugar metabolism, and induced systemic resistance. It is linked to ear development, shoot regeneration, tissue remodelling, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Associations with agronomic traits include grain yield, plant height, stem and culm diameter, ear diameter, root length, lignin content, glucose content, heterosis, and insect damage. Related genes in other species encode endochitinases.