RAC1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgRAC1 (FGRAMPH1_01G17935) on chromosome 3 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family, possessing GTPase activity, GTP and GDP binding, protein kinase binding, and signaling adaptor activity. It is associated with the regulation of beta-glucan anabolism, cell wall modification, bipolar cell growth, septin ring organization, and the switch from budding to filamentous growth. The gene is linked to exocytic vesicles, the hyphal tip polarisome, the Spitzenkorper, and the 1,3-beta-glucan synthase complex. Phenotypic associations include abnormal filamentous growth, delayed sporulation, decreased cytokinesis rate, increased mating efficiency, and absence of osmotic stress resistance. Related genes in other species are linked to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence.