DES1 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MoDES1 (MGG_13187) on chromosome 3 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a sphingolipid delta(4)-desaturase (EC 1.14.19.17), a member of the DES1/DES2 family with a sphingolipid delta(4)-desaturase N-terminal domain and a fatty acid desaturase domain. The enzyme is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and membrane, and is associated with sphingolipid, ceramide, and sphingosine anabolism, as well as sphingolipid metabolism and lipid homeostasis. It has been linked to appressorium formation and maturation, cell development, morphogenesis, signal transduction, TORC2 signaling, autophagy, detoxification, mitosis, and virus-induced PTGS. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to similar sphingolipid-related processes.