SOR1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU00891 (SOR1) of Neurospora crassa on chromosome 1 encodes a protein with L-arabinitol 4-dehydrogenase, L-iditol 2-dehydrogenase and D-xylulose reductase activities (EC 1.1.1.12 and 1.1.1.9), belonging to the SDH-like and ADH-like families with zinc binding capacity. The gene is associated with the breakdown of lignin, xylitol, arabinose, sorbitol and D-xylose, as well as fructose anabolism and fermentation. It has been linked to increased fermentative growth and chronological lifespan, but decreased rates of anaerobic and vegetative growth, reduced hyperosmotic and oxidative stress resistance, altered chemical compound accumulation and excretion, and abnormal protein distribution. The gene is also connected to altered carbon and nitrogen source utilization, auxotrophy, and changes in competitive fitness and chemical resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to D-xylose metabolism.