RHO1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU6G06900 (RHO1, AfRHO1) on chromosome 6 encodes a Rho GTPase Rho1, a small GTPase with GTP-binding and GTPase activity, GDP binding, protein ser/thr kinase activator activity, and signaling adaptor activity. In Aspergillus fumigatus, this gene is associated with cell wall modification, regulation of cell morphogenesis, positive regulation of 1,3-beta-D-glucan biosynthetic process, budding cell isotropic bud growth, septin ring organization, and Rho protein signal transduction. It is linked to hyphal tip polarisome and Spitzenkorper localization, as well as pulmonary aspergillosis. Phenotypic associations include decreased septum formation, abnormal bipolar budding, decreased adhesion, absent alkaline pH resistance, and increased recovery from pheromone-induced cell cycle arrest. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity, oxidative stress response, and acid sensitivity.