MEP1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgMEP1 (FGRAMPH1_01G13711) on chromosome 2 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a metallopeptidase belonging to the Peptidase_M43 family, with metallopeptidase activity and metal-binding capacity. The gene is associated with proteolysis, hyphal growth, nitrate metabolism, and evasion of host recognition by pattern receptors. Its product is localised extracellularly. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and effector functions, including both cytoplasmic and apoplastic effectors, and to associations with respiratory disease in mouse models. The family also shows sequence similarity to metalloproteases from plant pathogens such as Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum pathovars.