laeA — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MGG_15081 (laeA) on chromosome 2 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a methyltransferase, belonging to the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily, and is localised to the nucleus. The gene is associated with the regulation of secondary metabolism, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as penicillin, sterigmatocystin, gliotoxin, and melanin. It is also linked to positive regulation of ascospore formation, sporulation, appressorium formation, and disruption of host phagocytosis, as well as interaction with the host. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to germination rate and oxidative stress response.