PYRG — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU03488 (PYRG, pyr-4) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 2 encodes a protein with orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase activity (EC 4.1.1.23) and orotate phosphoribosyltransferase activity, placing it in the OMPdecase family. The gene is associated with 'de novo' UMP biosynthesis, pyrimidine base anabolism, and aflatoxin metabolism. It has been linked to numerous phenotypes including decreased nutrient uptake and utilization, altered adhesion, abnormal bud morphology, decreased filamentous and invasive growth, increased chronological lifespan, altered stress resistance (decreased ionic and hyperosmotic stress resistance, increased metal resistance and thermotolerance), and auxotrophy. Localisation evidence places the product in the cytosol. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to oxidative stress response.