CLM2 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MoCLM2 (MGG_04628) on chromosome 1 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a cytochrome P450 family protein with sterol 14-demethylase and methyltransferase activities, binding iron and heme, and localizing to the ER membrane. The gene is associated with demethylation, sterol anabolism, mycotoxin anabolism, mitophagy, sporulation, and hyphal growth. Phenotypic associations link MoCLM2 to decreased micronucleophagy, nucleophagy, and ribophagy; abnormal cell cycle progression through G2/M and S phases; increased cell death; arrested vegetative and exponential growth; decreased invasive growth; and altered responses to hyperosmotic stress and ionizing radiation. The gene is also connected to blast in rice. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to ergosterol biosynthesis, loss of pathogenicity, and lethal phenotypes.