PEP8 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgPEP8 (FGRAMPH1_01G02867) on chromosome 1 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a Vps26-related protein with an arrestin-like C-terminal domain and protein transporter activity. The gene is associated with retrograde transport from endosome to Golgi, vacuolar protein sorting, vesicle formation, protein-Golgi retention, intracellular protein transport, and ascospore formation. The product localises to the retromer complex, endosome, cytosol, and nucleus. Phenotypic associations include absent endocytosis and small molecule transport, abnormal filamentous growth, spore wall formation, and septum formation, increased adhesion and nutrient uptake, decreased cell fusion and necrotic cell death, and altered responses to pheromone-induced cell cycle arrest and alkaline pH. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.