RPB1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgRPB1 (FGRAMPH1_01G02301) on chromosome 1 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a protein containing RNA polymerase Rpb1 domains and exhibiting DNA-directed RNA polymerase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities. The gene is associated with transcription initiation and elongation by all three RNA polymerases, mRNA capping, co-transcriptional lncRNA 3' end processing, and intracellular phosphate homeostasis. It localises to RNA polymerase I, II and III complexes, the nucleolus, chromatin and nucleus. Associations with abnormal mitophagy, increased sporulation rate, increased virulence, altered cell cycle progression through G1/S and G2/M phases, decreased polyploidy, delayed cytokinesis, and increased transposable element transposition have been observed. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and oxidative stress response.