CNH1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU2G17170 (CNH1, also known as AfSOD2 or AfNHA1) on Aspergillus fumigatus chromosome 2 encodes a Na+/H+ antiporter of the Nha1 family, with potassium:proton antiporter and sodium:hydrogen exchanger activities. The gene is associated with sodium and potassium ion export and homeostasis, cell pH reduction, proton transport across the plasma membrane, and regulation of membrane potential. It is linked to hyphal growth, calcium signaling, osmotic response, and oxidative stress response. Phenotypic associations include absent biofilm formation, increased cell death, arrested vegetative and exponential-phase growth, abnormal respiratory and fermentative metabolism, increased ionic stress resistance, increased desiccation resistance, and altered cell cycle progression through G2/M. The protein localises to the plasma membrane, cell tip, lipid raft, and perinuclear ER membrane. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to sodium concentration and potassium content traits.