HPO — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FGRAMPH1_01G10763 (symbol HPO, also known as FgHPO or FgSWI6) on chromosome 2 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a chromodomain-containing protein with histone H3K9me2/3 reader activity and chromatin adaptor functions. The protein binds chromatin, DNA, RNA, and identical proteins, and localizes to heterochromatin, centromeres, and the nucleus. HPO is associated with numerous chromatin-related processes including centromeric silencing, heterochromatin assembly at rDNA and centromeres, mating-type switching, siRNA-mediated heterochromatin formation, and antiviral defense responses. It is also linked to pigmentation, mitotic sister chromatid cohesion and biorientation, anaphase cohesion protection, and telomere tethering. Related genes in other species are associated with reduced virulence and ear rot in maize, as well as oxidative stress response and turgor pressure.