bus-18 encodes a lysocardiolipin acyltransferase; bus-18 is required for colonization by Microbacterium nematophilum and the tail-swelling response to M. nematophilum infection, as well as for cuticle integrity, traction during movement, full body size, normally rapid growth, and vulval morphogenesis; bus-18 is also needed for normal cuticle antigens and resistance to emetine or colchicine, perhaps because its cuticle is abnormally permeable.
Enables acyltransferase activity. Involved in morphogenesis of an epithelium and phosphatidylinositol metabolic process. Located in endoplasmic reticulum. Expressed in several structures, including AIY; excretory gland cell; hypodermis; interfacial epithelial cell; and vulva. Is an ortholog of human LCLAT1 (lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1).