ATG26 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU2G02220 (ATG26) on chromosome 2 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a sterol glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.173) belonging to the glycosyltransferase 28 family, containing GRAM and PH domains. The gene is associated with autophagy, sterol metabolism and biosynthesis, including ergosterol biosynthesis, as well as FSM assembly, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein transport. Its product localises to the PAS membrane. Phenotypic associations link ATG26 to sporulation (absent or abnormal), decreased sporulation efficiency, decreased UV resistance, decreased innate thermotolerance, decreased heat sensitivity, altered chronological lifespan (both increased and decreased), decreased metal resistance, altered competitive fitness, decreased vegetative growth rate, abnormal vacuolar and nuclear morphology, decreased cell death, increased biofilm formation, abnormal cell cycle progression, decreased nucleolus size, and altered chemical resistance. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to autophagy-related processes.