NAM7 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU04242, also known as NAM7, prd-6 or UPF1 in Neurospora crassa on chromosome 5, encodes a protein with 5'-3' RNA and DNA helicase activity, 5' flap endonuclease activity, and dsDNA-dependent ATPase activity. The product is a member of the UPF1 and DNA2/NAM7-like protein families. NAM7 is associated with nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, RNAi-mediated heterochromatin assembly at centromeres, replication fork processing, and regulation of mRNA stability in response to oxidative stress. It localises to the replication fork, RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex, and nucleolar chromatin. Phenotypic associations link NAM7 to decreased spore wall formation, abnormal mating-type switching, increased virulence, decreased lifespan, and abnormal cell cycle progression through metaphase-anaphase transition. Related genes in other species are linked to oxidative stress response.