CAG1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G12400 (CAG1, ganA) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes the G protein complex alpha subunit GanA, a member of the fungal G-protein alpha family with GTPase activity and guanyl nucleotide binding. This gene is associated with the regulation of conidium formation, asexual sporulation, spore germination, and sporocarp development during sexual reproduction. It is linked to the negative regulation of the pheromone response MAPK cascade, the GPCR signaling pathway, and the regulation of sterigmatocystin and penicillin biosynthetic processes. Associations with protein secretion, secondary metabolism, and germination rate have been noted. The encoded protein localizes to the heterotrimeric G-protein complex, cytoplasm, cortical dynamic polarity patch, and mitochondrial outer membrane. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pathogenicity traits, including loss of pathogenicity in some species.