ATG3 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MGG_17909 (ATG3, MoATG3) on chromosome 7 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a protein with Atg8-like conjugating and APG8 ligase activity, belonging to the Atg3/Atg10 family. The gene is associated with autophagy, including macroautophagy, mitophagy, nucleophagy, glycophagy, and pexophagy, as well as appressorium formation, protein membrane targeting, and transport. The product localises to the phagophore, pre-autophagosomal structure, mitochondria, and cytosol. Phenotypic associations include absent cell cycle progression, filamentous growth, and cell death; abnormal or delayed autophagy; increased hyperosmotic stress resistance; and decreased colony size, nutrient utilisation, and freeze-thaw resistance. The gene is linked to rice blast disease and Oryza sativa. Studies of related genes in other species connect it to biofilm formation.