AREA — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU09068, also known as AREA or nit-2, encodes a GATA transcription factor with DNA-binding transcription activator and repressor activity, and zinc binding capability. In Neurospora crassa, AREA is associated with nitrogen catabolite repression, regulation of nitrate assimilation and import, nitrogen utilization, glutamine metabolism, amino acid breakdown, purine base transport, gibberellin biosynthesis, and nuclear transport. The gene is linked to numerous phenotypes including increased resistance to hydrostatic pressure, X-rays, alkaline pH, osmotic stress, and cold, as well as increased entry into stationary phase, increased pseudohyphal growth, decreased apoptosis, abnormal spore germination, autophagy, and redox state, and altered cell cycle progression. AREA is also associated with nitrate transport, nitrogen content, and nitrate uptake traits. Related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response and reduced virulence.