ags3 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G15440 (ags3, also known as AfMOK12) on chromosome 1 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a multi-domain protein with alpha-1,4-glucan glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.183), 4-alpha-glucanotransferase, alpha-1,3-glucan synthase and alpha-amylase activities, and binds calcium ions. It belongs to the Mok11-13/Ags1-like family and contains starch synthase and glycoside hydrolase catalytic domains. The gene is associated with cell wall 1,3-alpha-glucan biosynthesis, melanin metabolism, pigmentation, ascospore wall and primary cell septum biogenesis, spore germination, and carbohydrate breakdown. It localises to the ascus membrane, ascospore wall, external side of the plasma membrane, growing cell tips, division septum, and other cell periphery sites. The gene is linked to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and has been studied in a mouse model. Related genes in other species further connect the family to alpha-1,3-glucan synthesis.