ERG3 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FGRAMPH1_01G06005 (ERG3, ERG3A) in Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a sterol-C5-desaturase with lathosterol oxidase activity and iron binding, belonging to the Sterol_Desaturase_Related and fatty acid hydroxylase families. The gene is associated with ergosterol and sterol anabolism, pyrophosphate metabolism, filamentous growth, and cellular response to xenobiotic stimulus. Its product localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, ER lumen, Golgi complex, and plasma membrane. Phenotypic associations include abnormal sporulation efficiency, absent spore germination, decreased cell fusion, increased alkaline pH and hydrostatic pressure resistance, altered endocytosis and autophagy, and delayed meiosis and mitophagy. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity, reduced virulence, and increased biofilm formation, as well as associations with fusarium head blight and Triticum aestivum.