ACF2 — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPAC23D3.10C (ACF2, eng2) on chromosome 1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe encodes an endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) with glucan endo-1,3-beta-D-glucosidase and exo-1,3-beta-glucosidase activities, belonging to the GH81 family. The gene is associated with cell wall polysaccharide breakdown, primary cell septum hydrolysis, septum digestion after cytokinesis, contractile ring contraction, and ascospore liberation. It is linked to bipolar cell growth, cell polarization, actin polymerization, mating projection tip cell wall disassembly, and adhesion of symbiont to host cell. Localization evidence places the product at the primary cell septum, division septum, fungal-type cell wall, cell cortex, and extracellularly. Phenotypic associations include abnormal sporulation, decreased mating efficiency, altered cell shape, increased resistance to enzymatic treatment and killer toxin, decreased biofilm formation, and abnormal actin cytoskeleton morphology. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to virulence and stress responses.