AMT1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VDAG_08770, designated VdAMT1 (also known as VdMEP1, VdMEAA, VdMEP2, VdMEP3, AMT2, AMT3, AMT1, VdAMT2, VdAMT3, MEAA, MEP1, MEP2) in Verticillium dahliae, encodes an ammonium transporter family protein with ammonium channel activity and methylammonium transmembrane transporter activity. The gene is associated with ammonium and methylammonium membrane transport, including import across the plasma membrane, and localises to the plasma membrane, fungal-type vacuole, and Golgi complex. VdAMT1 is linked to numerous phenotypes including increased virulence, increased sporulation, abnormal biofilm formation, decreased nitrogen source utilisation, increased necrotic cell death, abnormal respiratory metabolism, and altered cell cycle progression. It is also associated with secretion, abnormal plasma membrane morphology, and changes in autophagy and pexophagy. Related genes in other species link the family to nitrogen utilisation and stress responses.