PRM1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU09337, designated PRM1 (Prm1) in Neurospora crassa on chromosome 2, encodes the plasma membrane fusion protein PRM1. This gene is associated with the biological processes of syngamy, cell-cell fusion, membrane fusion, mating, sexual reproduction, spore germination, and cell growth. The PRM1 protein localises to the mating projection tip and the plasmalemma. Phenotypic associations include decreased cell fusion and mating efficiency, delayed nuclear fusion during mating, abnormal plasma membrane morphology, decreased invasive growth and spore germination, increased apoptosis and cell death, abnormal cell cycle progression in G1 phase, and decreased nutrient uptake and protein secretion. The gene is also linked to abnormal endomembrane system morphology, increased chitin deposition, and altered budding patterns. Related genes in other species connect the family to plasma membrane fusion during mating.