RAX1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU4G12640 (RAX1, also known as rgsB) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain protein, placing it in the RGS superfamily. This gene is associated with asexual sporulation, sporulation, signal transduction, cell division, protein localization, and secondary metabolism. The encoded protein localizes to the ER membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasmalemma. Phenotypic associations include altered cell cycle progression, abnormal budding patterns, defective mating response, impaired cell fusion, abnormal shmoo formation, decreased pheromone sensitivity, and aberrant nuclear export and positioning. The gene is also linked to changes in cell size, filamentous growth, and protein transport. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to mating efficiency, though this is not established for A. fumigatus.