ags1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G00910 (ags1, also known as AfMOK12) on chromosome 3 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a protein with alpha-1,4-glucan glucosyltransferase (NDP-glucose donor) activity and alpha-1,3-glucan synthase activity. The gene is associated with cell wall 1,3-alpha-glucan anabolism, ascospore wall biogenesis, primary cell septum biogenesis, hyphal growth, and morphogenesis. Its product localizes to the ascus membrane, ascospore wall, external side of the plasma membrane, growing cell tips, medial membrane band, division septum, and cell periphery. The gene is linked to germination rate and to related alpha-glucan synthase genes ags2 and ags3. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to turgor pressure regulation. The gene has also been associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a mouse model.