PEP2 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G01220 (PEP2) on chromosome 3 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a probable aspartic-type endopeptidase (EC 3.4.23.-) belonging to the peptidase A1 family, with aspartic endopeptidase activity and additional molecular functions in oligosaccharide and disordered domain specific binding. The gene is associated with proteolysis, protein processing, secretion, and amino acid anabolism, as well as with fungal-type cell wall organization, morphogenesis, and cell growth. It is linked to microautophagy, pexophagy, and both inflammatory and immune responses. The encoded product localizes to the extracellular space, fungal-type cell wall, vacuolar lumen, and extracellular vesicles. Related genes in other species, including Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium species, encode aspartic proteinases.