LEU3 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgLEU3 (FGRAMPH1_01G22779) on chromosome 4 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a 2-isopropylmalate synthase, an enzyme with 2-isopropylmalate synthase activity that also binds metal ions. The gene is associated with L-leucine biosynthesis and morphogenesis, and its product localises to the mitochondrial lumen and mitochondria. Associations with numerous phenotypes have been observed, including decreased vegetative growth, abnormal cell size, altered budding patterns, increased pseudohyphal growth, decreased osmotic stress resistance, decreased acquired thermotolerance, and increased acid pH resistance. The gene is also linked to decreased RNA localisation, decreased fermentative metabolism, and altered cell cycle progression. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity and fusarium head blight.