GAS4 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU01162 (GAS4, also known as gel-1) encodes a glucanosyltransferase, specifically a 1,3-beta-glucanosyltransferase, placing it in the glycoside hydrolase superfamily. This enzyme is associated with cell wall biogenesis, particularly the anabolism of 1,3-beta-glucan in the fungal cell wall and ascospore wall. The gene product localizes to the hyphal cell wall, yeast-form cell wall, cross wall, and cellular bud membrane. NCU01162 is linked to a wide range of phenotypes, including abnormal cell wall morphology, altered filamentous and pseudohyphal growth, decreased spore germination, increased sporulation efficiency, and changes in stress resistance (e.g., increased acid pH resistance, decreased alkaline pH and ionic stress resistance). It is also associated with protein content, host invasion, biofilm formation, and cellular responses to pH and calcium ions. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and sporogenesis.