Heavy-metal-binding protein. Binds high amounts of zinc. May act as an upstream regulator of the salicylate-dependent pathogen response. Involved in abiotic stress responses, and seed and flower development. Weakly expressed in the cytoplasm. A number of isoforms are produced. According to EST sequences. Induced by infection with the bacterial pathogen P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Repressed in response to drought and abscisic acid (ABA). Plants over-expressing HIPP3 show delayed growth of inflorescence. Belongs to the HIPP family.