LAEA — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU00646 (LAEA) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 1 encodes a methyltransferase of the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily, with methyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with the regulation of secondary metabolism, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as aflatoxin and gliotoxin, as well as carotene and carotenoid anabolism. It is linked to asexual sporulation, spore formation, and cell communication, and has been connected to disruption of host phagocytosis and DNA-dependent transcription. The product localises to the nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to germination rate and oxidative stress response, though these associations are not established for N. crassa.