HSF1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G01900 (HSF1) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a protein with a winged helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain and exhibits DNA-binding transcription activator activity specific to RNA polymerase II, as well as phosphorelay response regulator and transferase activities. The gene is associated with cellular thermotolerance, response to heat, oxidative stress, and singlet oxygen, alongside regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response and mannitol anabolism. It is linked to filamentous growth in response to starvation and biotic stimuli, cell size control, and signal transduction. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, chromatin, and DNA-protein complexes. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to reduced virulence.