fwd-1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU04540, the fwd-1 gene on Neurospora crassa chromosome 7, encodes a protein with an F-box domain and WD40 repeats, acting as a molecular sensor and ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor that binds ubiquitin and identical proteins. It is associated with the SCF complex and coatomer, localising to the nucleus and cytosol. The gene is associated with circadian rhythm, hyphal growth, meiotic and mitotic cell cycles, and responses to arsenic and cadmium. It is linked to protein breakdown, polyubiquitination, intracellular transport including ER-to-Golgi and intra-Golgi trafficking, and regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Additionally, fwd-1 is associated with secondary metabolism and the G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to similar ubiquitin-dependent processes.