PGA63 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU2G12980 (PGA63, sec31) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a SEC31-like protein with structural molecule activity, containing WD40 repeat domains. It is a component of the COPII vesicle coat and localizes to ER exit sites and the ER membrane. The gene is associated with cargo loading into COPII vesicles, ER-to-Golgi transport, protein transport, secretion, hyphal growth, ER organization, calcium signaling, and protein modification. It has been linked to lethal pathogenicity in a mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Additional associations include abnormal replicative lifespan, cell cycle arrest, altered nutrient uptake, decreased cold sensitivity, increased osmotic stress resistance, and changes in fermentation and respiration rates. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to autophagy.