CLM2 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU02624 (CLM2) in Neurospora crassa encodes a cytochrome P450 51 (CYP51) family protein with sterol 14-demethylase activity, also annotated for methyltransferase activity, iron binding, heme binding, and redox activity. It is localized to the perinuclear and cortical endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The gene is associated with ergosterol, sterol, ceramide, phospholipid, antibiotic, and mycotoxin anabolism, as well as sterol homeostasis and methylation. Phenotypic associations include decreased micronucleophagy, nucleophagy, and ribophagy; absent hyperosmotic stress resistance and cytokinesis; abnormal plasma membrane morphology, cell cycle progression, and entry into stationary phase; increased cell death and fermentative metabolism; arrested vegetative and exponential growth; and decreased invasive growth, nutrient uptake, and utilization of iron and phosphorus sources. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to virulence and pathogenicity.