ERG4 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MoERG4 (MGG_03765) on chromosome 6 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a protein with an ERG24/DHCR-like domain and 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase activity (EC 1.3.1.21), D14-sterol reductase activity, and NADP binding. The gene is associated with ergosterol, brassinosteroid, cholesterol and lipid A anabolism, protein secretion, filamentous growth of a population of unicellular organisms in response to biotic stimulus, and interaction with host. It localises to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Associations with numerous phenotypes include abnormal bipolar budding, decreased endocytosis, abnormal plasma membrane and cell wall morphology, sterile, decreased invasive growth, absent pseudohyphal growth, increased cell death, decreased nutrient uptake and altered responses to cold and gamma radiation. Related genes in other species link the family to sterol reductase activity.