CHS3 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU09324, designated CHS3 (also known as chs-4, CHSF, CHS4), on Neurospora crassa chromosome 1 encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), placing it in the chitin synthase family. This gene is associated with chitin anabolism, asexual sporulation, conidia formation, ascospore wall assembly, hyphal growth, and response to cellular mechanical stimulus. The encoded protein localizes to the chitosome, plasmalemma, cross wall, cellular bud neck, and extracellular vesicles. Phenotypic associations include abnormal chitin deposition, decreased septum formation, abnormal spore wall formation, altered cell cycle progression, decreased cell fusion, and increased alkaline pH resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to polysaccharide content and reduced virulence.