aflM — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_02721 (aflM) on chromosome 6 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 encodes a putative short-chain dehydrogenase with tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase and versicolorin reductase activities, placing it in the Sec_Metab_Biosynth_SDR family. The gene is associated with sclerotium development, conidiophore development, conidia formation, morphogenesis, and the biosynthesis of emodin, abscisic acid, melanin, aflatoxin, sterigmatocystin, and other secondary metabolites. The encoded protein localizes to the cytosol. Studies of related genes in other species link the SDR family to polyketide biosynthesis and oxidoreductase activities, though these associations are not established for A. nidulans itself.