FIP1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G03800 (FIP1, ftrA) on Aspergillus fumigatus chromosome 5 encodes a protein belonging to the FTR1/Fip1/EfeU family and has high-affinity ferrous iron transmembrane transporter activity. The gene is associated with iron ion membrane transport, reductive iron assimilation, cellular response to iron ion starvation, siderophore and lysine anabolism, secondary metabolism, ergosterol anabolism, mating, and homeostasis. The encoded protein localises to the high-affinity iron permease complex, Golgi complex, and plasma membrane. Phenotypic associations include decreased anaerobic and fermentative growth, increased respiratory growth rate, abnormal budding and cell shape, decreased filamentous growth and sporulation efficiency, increased cold sensitivity and stress resistance, altered alkaline and acid pH resistance, and increased innate thermotolerance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and invasive growth.