ATX1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G08880, designated AfATX1 or ATX1 in Aspergillus fumigatus on chromosome 1, encodes a copper transport ATOX1-like protein with a heavy-metal-associated domain and copper carrier activity. The gene is associated with copper ion transport, protein maturation, NO storage, and homeostasis, and its product localises to the cytosol and nucleus. AfATX1 is linked to numerous phenotypes including abnormal shmoo formation, increased pheromone sensitivity, absent endocytosis and pexophagy, decreased chitin deposition and cytokinesis, abnormal cell wall and endomembrane system morphology, decreased acquired thermotolerance, and altered alkaline pH resistance. It is also connected to abnormal mitochondrial distribution and genome maintenance, decreased mitophagy and reticulophagy, increased respiratory growth and mitotic recombination, and aberrant budding patterns. Related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response.