ODCA — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU01271 (ODCA, spe-1) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 5 encodes ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17), a PLP-binding barrel domain protein with ornithine decarboxylase activity. The gene is associated with polyamine, spermidine, ornithine, pantothenate, terpenoid and alkaloid metabolism, as well as protein synthesis, nuclear division and cell cycle progression. The product localises to the cytoplasm, cytosol and nucleus. Phenotypic associations include increased necrotic cell death, absent mating-type switching, decreased fermentative growth, altered respiratory metabolism, increased UV resistance, abnormal mitochondrial distribution and genome maintenance, increased mitophagy, delayed G1/S phase transition, abnormal spindle morphology, and altered carbon source utilisation. Related genes in other species link the family to polyamine biosynthesis.