MET9 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU07690 (MET9) in Neurospora crassa on chromosome 4 encodes methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 1, a FAD-binding enzyme with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NADH, NADPH, and NAD(P)H) activity. The gene product localises to both mitochondria and cytosol and is associated with tetrahydrofolate interconversion. MET9 is associated with numerous phenotypes including decreased cell size, abnormal cell shape, decreased invasive and pseudohyphal growth, absent sporulation, decreased mating efficiency, altered cell cycle progression in G1 phase, increased replicative lifespan, decreased UV and hyperosmotic stress resistance, increased oxidative stress resistance, and increased metal resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to nutrient utilisation, sporulation, filamentous growth, and auxotrophy.