ERG25 — Fusarium odoratissimum str. race 4

Summary

FoERG25 (FOC4_G10011570) in Fusarium odoratissimum race 4 encodes a fatty acid hydroxylase domain protein with sphingolipid Delta-4 desaturase, C4-monooxygenase and 4-methylsterol oxidase activities, and is associated with iron binding and redox activity. The gene is linked to ergosterol, sterol and sphingolipid biosynthesis, MIPC metabolism, the electron transport chain, and spore germination, and localises to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Associations with the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 connect it to this pathogen. Phenotypic associations include altered vegetative and invasive growth, decreased sporulation, abnormal cell shape and mitochondrial morphology, increased apoptosis, reduced survival in stationary phase, and changes in carbon and iron utilisation, respiration, and telomere length. Related genes in other species link it to C-4 methylsterol oxidase function and ergosterol pathway genes.