BRLA — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G16590, designated BRLA (brlA) in Aspergillus fumigatus on chromosome 1, encodes a C2H2-type zinc-finger transcription factor that binds DNA in a sequence-specific manner and acts as a transcriptional co-regulator. This gene is associated with the regulation of asexual reproduction, including conidiophore development, conidium formation, and sporocarp development, as well as conidium germination and autolysis. It is linked to pigmentation, carbon catabolite repression, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as sterigmatocystin, fumigaclavine C, and mycose. The product localises to the nucleus, chromatin, and transcription regulator complexes. Studies of related genes in other species connect the BRLA family to sporogenesis, germination rate, oxidative stress response, and reduced virulence in models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.