RAB7 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G12130, designated RAB7 in Aspergillus fumigatus and located on chromosome 5, encodes a putative Rab small monomeric GTPase, possessing GTPase activity and GTP binding. This gene is associated with the regulation of vacuole fusion, both positive and negative, as well as endosome organization, vesicle fusion, phagocytosis, exocytosis, and protein transport to the cell tip and meiotic spindle pole body. It is linked to actin polymerization, mitotic cytokinesis, and downregulation of TORC1 signaling. Phenotypic associations include altered vacuolar morphology, decreased cell death rate, abnormal replicative lifespan, delayed autophagy and endocytosis, increased hydrostatic pressure and ionic stress resistance, and increased nutrient uptake. The gene product localizes to endosome membranes, the cleavage furrow, and growing cell tips.