ERG3 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU06207 (ERG3) in Neurospora crassa encodes a sterol-C5-desaturase (EC 1.14.19.20), a fatty acid hydroxylase family member with lathosterol oxidase and iron-binding activities. The enzyme localises to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and the plasma membrane. It is associated with ergosterol biosynthesis, sterol homeostasis, filamentous growth, and cellular responses to xenobiotic stimuli. Phenotypic associations include abnormal sporulation, endocytosis, Golgi and plasma membrane morphology, decreased cell fusion, increased hydrostatic pressure and alkaline pH resistance, altered autophagy, and absent spore germination. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence, increased biofilm formation, and sensitivity to calcium, acid, and oxidative stress.