FET3 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G03790 (FET3, fetC) encodes a protein of the CuRO_2_Fet3-like family with ferroxidase activity and iron channel activity, and binds copper. In Aspergillus fumigatus, this gene is associated with reductive iron assimilation, cellular copper ion homeostasis, response to copper, and arsenate ion transmembrane transport. It is linked to pigmentation, melanin and secondary metabolism, biofilm formation, mating, developmental processes, and eoxin and prostaglandin synthesis. The encoded protein localises to the high-affinity iron permease complex, the fungal biofilm matrix, and the extracellular space. Phenotypic associations include absent sporulation and spore germination, abnormal spore wall and septum formation, decreased cell death, altered replicative lifespan, and increased small molecule transport and nutrient uptake. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to iron and copper sensitivity and oxidative stress response.