laeA — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU04904 (laeA) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 4 encodes a SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily protein with methyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with the regulation of secondary metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including the activation of gliotoxin anabolism and aflatoxin anabolism. It is linked to carotene anabolism and carotenoid anabolism, as well as asexual sporulation, spore formation, and cell communication. Additional associations include disruption of host phagocytosis, DNA-dependent transcription, and methylation. The encoded product localises to the nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response.