atfC — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G17360 (atfC) on chromosome 1 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a putative bZIP transcription factor (BACH2), possessing DNA-binding transcription factor activity specific to RNA polymerase II. The gene is associated with upregulation of aflatoxin anabolism, osmotic response, cellular responses to hydrogen peroxide and heat, MAPK cascade, and signal transduction. Its product localizes to the nucleus and is linked to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, with experimental models using Galleria mellonella and Mus musculus. Studies of related genes in other species connect this gene family to reduced virulence and to ear rot in corn and yellow mold in peanut.