ARF — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU6G08290 (ARF) on chromosome 6 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes an ADP-ribosylation factor family protein, a small GTPase with GTP-binding and GTPase activity that also acts as a protein membrane adaptor. This gene is associated with multiple cellular processes including vesicle organization, ER-to-Golgi transport, nuclear envelope and mitochondrial membrane organization, mitochondrial fission, cell growth mode switching from monopolar to bipolar, regulation of mitotic cytokinesis, positive regulation of mitotic entry, morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, and gliotoxin anabolism. It is also linked to cellular response to reactive oxygen species and intracellular protein transport. The encoded protein localizes to the lytic vacuole membrane, mitochondria-associated membrane, COPII vesicle coat, ER exit site, Golgi membrane, division septum, and cell cortex. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to small GTPase-mediated vesicular trafficking.