BrlA — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FGRAMPH1_01G24485 (BrlA) on chromosome 4 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a STE12 transcription factor containing C2H2 zinc-finger domains and exhibits sequence-specific DNA binding and RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity. This gene is associated with mating behavior, sexual reproduction, sporocarp development, regulation of pseudohyphal growth, regulation of filamentous growth of a population of unicellular organisms, biofilm formation, pheromone response, immune evasion, development of symbiont in host, and regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. It is linked to abnormal biofilm formation, absent mating efficiency, increased pheromone production, abnormal carbon source utilization, and abnormal flocculation. The encoded protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, chromatin, and Tec1p-Ste12p-Dig1p and Ste12p-Dig1p-Dig2p complexes. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to sporogenesis, germination rate, oxidative stress response, and reduced virulence.