ERG1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G07780 (ERG1) on chromosome 5 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a squalene epoxidase (EC 1.14.14.17), a FAD/NAD-binding enzyme with squalene monooxygenase activity. This gene is associated with ergosterol metabolism and isoprenoid anabolism, as well as sterol homeostasis and membrane localization, including the endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, and vacuolar membrane. ERG1 is linked to filamentous growth in response to starvation, chemical, and biotic stimuli, and to cellular responses to xenobiotic stimuli and starvation. It has been connected to aspergillosis. Phenotypic associations include absent anaerobic growth and endocytosis, decreased invasive growth, abnormal septum formation and cytokinesis, increased vegetative growth rate, and altered redox state. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to ergosterol metabolism and cell cycle progression.