PEL1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgPEL1 (FGRAMPH1_01G28143) on chromosome 4 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a CDP-diacylglycerol-glycerol-3-phosphate 3-phosphatidyltransferase, a phospholipase D-like enzyme with ATP-binding activity. This gene is associated with cardiolipin biosynthesis, CDP-diacylglycerol anabolism, mitochondrial membrane organization, asexual sporulation, spore formation, and homologous recombination. The product localizes to the mitochondrial membrane and lumen. FgPEL1 is linked to numerous phenotypes including decreased colony size, abnormal cellular and mitochondrial morphology, altered stress responses (increased hyperosmotic and decreased osmotic, ionic, UV, and acid pH resistance), increased cold sensitivity, altered respiratory metabolism and growth, defective nutrient uptake, carbon source utilization, and increased apoptosis rate. It is also associated with germination rate and petite-negative status. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to cardiolipin synthesis and mitochondrial function.