ACF2 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G04260 (symbol ACF2, also known as ENGL1) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes an endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) with glucan exo-1,3-beta-glucosidase and glucan endo-1,3-beta-D-glucosidase activities, belonging to the GH81 family. The enzyme is associated with polysaccharide binding and fungal-type cell wall 1,3-beta-glucan metabolism, cell wall polysaccharide breakdown, primary cell septum hydrolysis, ascospore liberation, bipolar cell growth, hyphal growth, autolysis, and adhesion of symbiont to host cell. It localizes to the fungal-type cell wall, primary cell septum, division septum, cell cortex, and extracellular region. The gene is linked to traits including germination rate, and phenotypes such as abnormal filamentous growth, decreased biofilm formation, decreased cell fusion, abnormal sporulation, decreased mating efficiency, and increased resistance to enzymatic treatment. Related genes in other species are linked to reduced virulence and increased invasive growth.