laeA — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_02084, symbol laeA on chromosome 7 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4, encodes an uncharacterized protein of the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily with methyltransferase activity. The protein is associated with the biosynthesis of diorcinol, PR-toxin, penicillin G, carotene, carotenoids, gliotoxin, and sterigmatocystin metabolism, as well as with sexual sporulation, perithecium development, fruiting body formation, pigmentation, asexual reproduction, and stem cell differentiation. The gene product localises to the nucleus and has been linked to germination rate and oxidative stress response. Related genes in other species, including LAE1, link the family to similar regulatory roles in development.