HEX1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU10852 (HEX1) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 1 encodes a beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52) with hexosaminidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 20. The gene is associated with chitobiose catabolism, glycosaminoglycan metabolism, polysaccharide breakdown, and carbohydrate metabolism. It is linked to asexual reproduction, conidia formation, morphogenesis, protein targeting, detoxification, and homeostasis. The encoded protein localises to the extracellular space and membrane. HEX1 is also associated with protein content. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.