ZRT1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU4G09560 (ZRT1, zrfC) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a ZIP zinc transporter with high-affinity zinc transmembrane transporter activity and zinc ion transmembrane transporter activity, as well as zinc binding. The gene is associated with zinc transport, zinc import, cellular zinc ion homeostasis, and response to zinc. It has also been connected to gliotoxin anabolism, ergosterol anabolism, and response to oxidative stress. The encoded protein localises to the ER membrane and the plasmalemma. ZRT1 is linked to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and has been studied in Mus musculus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to disseminated candidiasis and unaffected pathogenicity.