GCS1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G13900 (GCS1, AfGCS1) encodes a gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-ECS) with glutamate-cysteine ligase activity (EC 6.3.2.2) and ATP binding. The enzyme is part of the glutamate-cysteine ligase complex and localises to the cytoplasm, cytosol and nucleus. In Aspergillus fumigatus, GCS1 is associated with glutathione and phytochelatin biosynthesis, cellular responses to cadmium and hydrogen peroxide, iron-sulfur cluster assembly, and detoxification. The gene is linked to numerous phenotypes including absent oxidative stress resistance, decreased spore germination rate, delayed sporulation, abnormal colony colour, absent desiccation resistance, decreased radiation resistance, and altered cell cycle progression, nutrient uptake and nitrogen utilisation. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to oxidative stress response.