ERG12 — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_03869 (ERG12, AnERG12) on chromosome 2 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 encodes a mevalonate kinase, an enzyme with mevalonate kinase activity (EC 2.7.1.36) that binds ATP and magnesium. The gene is associated with the acetyl-CoA mevalonate pathway, isoprenoid biosynthesis, and ergosterol anabolism, and its product localises to both the cytosol and nucleus. AnERG12 is associated with abnormal cell cycle progression (with arrest at both G1 and G2/M phases), chromosome segregation defects, abnormal nuclear position, decreased filamentous growth and sporulation, reduced biofilm formation, impaired carbon and nitrogen utilisation, decreased stress and freeze-thaw resistance, and altered protein accumulation. The gene is also associated with increased colony sectoring, decreased telomere length, and reduced silencing. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to lethal phenotypes and respiratory growth defects.