CLM2 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G08800 (CLM2, AfCLM2) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a putative cytochrome P450 phenylacetate hydroxylase, belonging to the fungal cytochrome P450 family and possessing 3-hydroxyphenylacetate 6-hydroxylase and monooxygenase activities, with heme and iron binding. This membrane-associated gene is linked to phenylacetate breakdown, sterol homeostasis, fatty acid oxidation, and asexual reproduction and sporulation. It is associated with numerous phenotypes including decreased micronucleophagy, ribophagy, and invasive growth, increased cell death and lifespan, abnormal cell cycle progression, and arrested vegetative and exponential growth. The gene also shows connections to vacuolar transport, nutrient uptake, and utilization of carbon, iron, and phosphorus sources. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to ergosterol biosynthesis, particularly through ERG11 and other ERG pathway components.