MAT2 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G06170 (MAT2, also known as MAT1-2 or AfMAT2) on chromosome 3 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes the mating type protein MAT1-2-1, a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription activator with an HMG-box domain. This protein is associated with mating type determination, sexual reproduction, and the regulation of sexual sporulation, including cleistothecium formation and development. It is linked to positive regulation of the meiotic cell cycle, syngamy, and single fertilization. The gene product localizes to the nucleus, chromatin, and RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex, and is associated with secondary metabolism, cell differentiation, and downregulation of filamentous growth in response to pH or starvation. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to similar mating-type control processes.