RAN — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPBC1289.03C, also known as spi1 or RAN, encodes a Ran GTPase, a small GTP-binding protein with GTPase activity. This gene is associated with a wide range of nuclear and cellular processes, including nuclear transport, RNA transport and export, mitotic spindle assembly and elongation, spindle checkpoint function, chromatin decompaction, centromeric silencing, meiosis II, vacuole fusion regulation, and response to nutrients. The protein localises to the cytoplasm, endomembrane system, vacuole, Golgi and ER membranes, and the fungal biofilm matrix. Phenotypic associations link the gene to cell cycle progression, particularly G1/S and G2/M transitions, nuclear import and export, pheromone sensitivity, spore germination, oxidative and hyperosmotic stress responses, UV resistance, adhesion, and fermentative growth. Studies of related genes in other species have connected the family to virulence and pathogenicity.