MEP — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU8G07080 (symbol MEP) on Aspergillus fumigatus chromosome 8 encodes a metalloendopeptidase of the peptidase M36 family, also known as the fungal virulence M36 domain, with zinc-binding activity. This secreted enzyme is associated with proteolysis, host invasion, morphogenesis, secretion, and amino acid anabolism. The gene is linked to sensitization, inflammatory response, immune response, and digestion. Related genes in other species connect the MEP family to effector function as a plant avirulence determinant and to diseases including maize stalk rot and leaf blight, as well as to pathogens such as Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum formae speciales.