KRE6 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU2G11870 (KRE6) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a putative beta-1,6 glucan synthetase (Kre6) belonging to the GH16 family and ConA-like domain superfamily, with glucosidase activity. The gene is associated with cell wall organization or biogenesis, including 1,3-beta-glucan and 1,6-beta-glucan anabolism, and localizes to the Golgi membrane, ER membrane, and plasmalemma. Phenotypic associations link KRE6 to abnormal cell cycle progression, including increased M phase duration, decreased cytokinesis rate, G2 phase arrest, and increased polyploidy. It is also associated with increased thermotolerance, abnormal filamentous growth, decreased endocytosis, and abnormal plasma membrane morphology. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence, and to phosphate content and acid sensitivity.