RAC1 — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

AnRAC1 (ANIA_07487) on chromosome 4 encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family, possessing GTPase, GTP-binding, GDP-binding, and protein serine/threonine kinase activator activities, and is associated with G-beta protein subunit binding and signaling adaptor activity. The gene is linked to the regulation of beta-glucan anabolism, cell morphogenesis, endocytic recycling, exocytosis, vesicle-mediated transport, septin ring organization, and sporocarp development during asexual reproduction. It localizes to the hyphal tip polarisome, Spitzenkörper, exocytic vesicles, and the 1,3-beta-glucan synthase complex. AnRAC1 is associated with abnormal filamentous growth, decreased cytokinetic rate, delayed sporulation, increased mating efficiency, altered cell cycle progression, and absent osmotic stress resistance. Related genes in other species are linked to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence.