UGE1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G10780 (UGE1, also known as uge5 or AfGAL10) on chromosome 5 encodes a UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2) with aldose 1-epimerase activity and sugar-binding capacity, belonging to the UDP_G4E and epimerase_deHydtase domain families. The enzyme is cytosolic and is associated with the Leloir pathway, galactose metabolism, UDP-galactose biosynthesis, monosaccharide metabolism, galactosaminogalactan biosynthetic process, galactomannan anabolism, and conidia formation. Phenotypic associations include decreased colony size, absent filamentous growth and spore germination, altered cell cycle progression, increased necrotic cell death, abnormal nucleophagy and mitophagy, decreased fermentative growth and nutrient uptake, and delayed carbon source utilization. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to galactose metabolism and stress responses.