apsB — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_03437 (apsB) on chromosome 6 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 encodes a protein with calmodulin-binding activity, belonging to the Mto2p-binding and Cnn_1N domain families. The gene is associated with microtubule nucleation, including astral microtubule nucleation and interphase microtubule nucleation by iMTOCs, as well as mitotic spindle positioning and orientation, spindle assembly, and nuclear migration via microtubule-mediated pushing forces. It is linked to conidiophore development, asexual sporulation, sexual reproduction, and karyogamy during conjugation with cellular fusion. The encoded product localizes to the mitotic spindle pole body, its outer plaque and half bridge, iMTOCs, EMTOCs, microtubule bundles, and the actomyosin contractile ring. Studies of related genes in other species link the ApsB family to anucleate primary sterigmata formation.