CHS1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU3G14420 (CHS1, chsG) encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), containing Chitin_synth_N and Chitin_synth domains. In Aspergillus fumigatus, this gene is associated with cell wall biogenesis and organization, hyphal growth, conidia formation, and chitin anabolism. It is linked to the inflammatory and immune responses, and its product localizes to the hyphal tip, porous cell septum, cross wall, and plasmalemma. CHS1 has been connected to aspergillosis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, with studies in Galleria mellonella and Mus musculus models. Associations include abnormal septum formation, decreased flocculation and adhesion, absent cell fusion and budding, abnormal chitin deposition and spore wall formation, and altered cell cycle progression. The gene is also linked to polysaccharide content. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to vegetative growth and septum formation.