WA — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU2G17600, also known as WA, AfWA, or pksP in Aspergillus fumigatus on chromosome 2, encodes a protein with polyketide synthase (PKS) domains including ketoacyl synthase, acyl transferase, thioesterase, and phosphopantetheine binding sites, as well as annotated adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and p-diphenol:oxygen oxidoreductase activities. The gene is associated with DHN-melanin biosynthesis, asexual spore wall assembly, pigmentation, and naphtho-gamma-pyrone anabolism. It is linked to the cAMP/PKA signaling cassette, effector-mediated suppression of host pattern-triggered immunity, and the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Associations with respiratory disease and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis connect the gene to human pathogenesis. Studies of related polyketide synthases in other species link the family to pulmonary aspergillosis and virulence.