MEDA — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU2G13260, designated MEDA (AfMEDA) in Aspergillus fumigatus on chromosome 2, encodes the transcriptional regulator Medusa, a protein containing the DUF7082 domain. This gene is associated with a wide range of biological processes, including conidiophore development, asexual reproduction, conidia formation, biofilm formation, cell adhesion, and adhesion of symbiont to host. It is also linked to cell wall polysaccharide anabolism, glycan biosynthesis, nucleotide-sugar metabolism, sterol anabolism, nuclear import, homeostasis, and mast cell degranulation. The Medusa protein localises to the nucleus. Clinically, the gene has been connected to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and its effects have been studied in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response and iron concentration.