NSDD — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G13870 (NSDD) on Aspergillus fumigatus chromosome 3 encodes a GATA-type zinc-finger transcription factor with DNA-binding transcription activator activity and sequence-specific DNA binding. This gene is associated with cleistothecium formation and development, positive regulation of sexual sporulation, sexual reproduction, and mating. It is linked to filamentous growth, biofilm formation on inanimate substrates, cell adhesion, secondary metabolism, and fungal-type cell wall organization. NSDD is also associated with disruption of host phagocytosis, cellular response to starvation, and regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. The encoded protein localizes to chromatin and the nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to altered virulence, including both hypervirulence and reduced virulence, as well as germination rate and associations with pulmonary aspergillosis and disseminated candidiasis.