crzA — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G06900 (crzA) on Aspergillus fumigatus chromosome 1 encodes a C2H2-type zinc finger protein with DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding activity, and 14-3-3 protein binding. The gene is associated with calcineurin-mediated signaling, cellular responses to calcium ions and acidic pH, and stress responses including cold and mechanical stimuli. It is linked to developmental induction, asexual reproduction, pigmentation, ergosterol metabolism, heme A and folate biosynthesis, and regulation of apoptotic processes. Localization evidence links the product to the nucleus, cytoplasm, cytosol, and chromatin. The gene is associated with calcium sensitivity and has been connected to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mouse models. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to vascular wilt diseases caused by Fusarium and Verticillium species.