MET6 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgMET6 (MET6) on chromosome 3 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a cobalamin-independent methionine synthase, a zinc-binding enzyme. The gene is associated with methionine metabolism, de novo L-methionine synthesis, methylation, nitrogen fixation, phosphate metabolism, biofilm formation, cell-cell adhesion, and perturbation of host immune response. Its product localises to the cytosol, nucleus, hyphal and fungal-type cell walls, and the fungal biofilm matrix. FgMET6 is linked to numerous phenotypes including altered stress resistance (heat, oxidative, osmotic, acid pH), increased or decreased replicative and chronological lifespan, altered fermentative and respiratory metabolism, prion inheritance changes, auxotrophy, and abnormal liquid culture appearance. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence.