AGE3 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgAGE3 (AGE3, GCS1) on chromosome 4 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a protein with an ArfGAP domain, conferring GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity and zinc-binding capacity, and is associated with polyubiquitin modification-dependent protein binding. The gene is linked to COPI coating of Golgi vesicles, intra-Golgi and ER-to-Golgi transport, endocytosis, and cell growth mode switching from monopolar to bipolar. It localises to the Golgi membrane, clathrin-coated vesicles, the cell cortex and tip, and the cell division site. Phenotypic associations include absent sporulation efficiency, decreased adhesion and cell death, reduced meiosis and chromosome segregation, delayed autophagy and protein transport, abnormal Golgi morphology and endocytosis, increased G2/M cell cycle progression, and decreased pheromone production and nitrogen source utilisation. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to oxidative stress response and zinc sensitivity.