LEU1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU06232 (LEU1, leu-1) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 3 encodes a 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.85), an enzyme with NAD and magnesium binding activity that belongs to the isopropylmalate dehydrogenase family. The gene is associated with L-leucine biosynthesis and amino acid anabolism, as well as the glyoxylate cycle, meiosis, and meiotic drive. It localises to the cytosol. Phenotypic associations include delayed cytokinesis and G1/S cell cycle progression, increased aneuploidy and mitotic recombination, decreased autophagy, nutrient uptake, respiratory metabolism, and invasive growth, abnormal RNA localisation, increased prion formation, and absence of nitrogen source utilisation and chemical resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.