ERG4 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VdERG4 (VDAG_00245) on chromosome DS572695 of Verticillium dahliae encodes a sterol reductase with D24-sterol reductase activity (EC 1.3.1.71), placing it in the ERG24/DHCR-like family. The product localises to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and is associated with ergosterol biosynthesis and filamentous growth in response to biotic stimuli. The gene is linked to cellular responses to xenobiotic stimuli. Numerous phenotypes have been connected to this gene, including abnormal cell wall and plasma membrane morphology, decreased invasive growth, defective mating and shmoo formation, increased cell death, altered nutrient and iron utilisation, and reduced cold sensitivity. Related genes in other species are associated with reduced virulence.