ASH2 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MoASH2 (MGG_01427) in Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a protein containing a B30.2/SPRY domain and a ConA-like domain superfamily, with transcription cis-regulatory region binding and zinc-binding molecular functions. It is associated with epigenetic regulation of gene expression, including chromatin-mediated maintenance of transcription, telomeric silencing, and methylation, as well as spore germination and regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The gene product localises to the nucleus, chromatin, and telomeric regions. MoASH2 is linked to blast disease in rice and barley. Phenotypic associations include abnormal cell cycle progression, increased polyploidy and aneuploidy, decreased colony size, altered budding patterns, reduced chitin deposition, and increased meiotic recombination. Related genes in other species connect the family to the Set1/COMPASS complex and oxidative stress response.