MET6 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MoMET6 (MGG_06712) on chromosome 1 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a cobalamin-independent methionine synthase (EC 2.1.1.14), a zinc-binding enzyme. The gene is associated with methionine metabolism, transsulfuration, and de novo L-methionine anabolism, as well as with pigmentation, sporulation, methylation, cell-cell adhesion, cellular response to heat, and perturbation of host immune response. Its product localises to the cytosol, nucleus, hyphal cell wall, fungal-type cell wall, and fungal biofilm matrix. MoMET6 is linked to blast disease in rice and barley. Associations with diverse phenotypes include altered stress resistance, thermotolerance, replicative lifespan, nitrogen utilisation, and prion inheritance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.