RHO3 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgRHO3 (FGRAMPH1_01G00465) on chromosome 1 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family, possessing GTPase activity, GTP and GDP binding, protein kinase binding, and signaling adaptor activity. The gene is associated with the positive regulation of 1,3-beta-D-glucan biosynthetic processes, formin-nucleated actin cable assembly, and primary cell septum biogenesis, as well as the regulation of septum digestion, exocyst localization, exocytosis, and cell polarity. Localization evidence links the product to the 1,3-beta-glucan synthase complex, hyphal tips, and growing cell tips. Phenotypic associations include abnormal filamentous growth, decreased cytokinesis rate, altered osmotic stress resistance, and reduced necrotic cell death. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to pathogenicity.