EP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmEP3 (ZM00001EB425600) on maize chromosome 10 encodes a protein with chitin-binding and glycosyl hydrolase family 19 domains, and is annotated with chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14) and chitin binding. The gene is associated with chitin breakdown, cell wall macromolecule catabolism, polysaccharide breakdown, amino sugar metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, as well as ear development, shoot regeneration, tissue remodeling, and sporulation. It has been linked to grain yield, plant height, stem and ear diameter, root length, drought tolerance, lignin content, glucose content, insect damage, and heterosis. The encoded protein is localized extracellularly. Related genes in other species encode acidic and basic endochitinases.