RHO1 — Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici 4287

Summary

FOXG_13835 (FoRHO1) on chromosome 10 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici 4287 encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family, possessing GTPase, GTP-binding, GDP-binding, protein serine/threonine kinase activator, signaling adaptor, and enzyme activator activities. The gene is associated with Rho protein signal transduction, regulation of actomyosin contractile ring contraction, septum digestion, cytokinesis, exocyst localization, exocytosis, cell polarity, and cell shape. It is linked to 1,3-beta-glucan biosynthetic processes and localizes to the 1,3-beta-glucan synthase complex, plasma membrane, hyphal tip, and medial ring. Phenotypic associations include decreased septum formation, abnormal bipolar budding, absent cell fusion, decreased adhesion, and altered responses to pheromone and alkaline pH. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence.