NCE102 homologue in Aspergillus fumigatus is required for normal sporulation, not hyphal growth or pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Nce102 encodes a 173 amino acid transmembrane protein, which acts as a key player in eisosome assembly and plasma membrane organization. Here, we describe the characterization of Nce102 homologue in the human pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus. Our results demonstrated that AfuNce102 is continuously expressed during fungal growth. In addition, microscopic examination of an AfuNce102-GFP-expressing transformant confirmed the localization of the fusion protein to the endoplasmic reticulum with higher density fluorescence at the tip of the mycelium. During conidiogenesis, the protein was localized to the conidiophores and the conidia. Abnormal conidiation of AfuNce102 deletion mutant suggests a potential role for AfuNce102 in sporulation process.