fleA — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU5G14740 (fleA) on chromosome 5 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a protein of the fungal lectin family, with molecular functions including fucose binding, sugar binding, protein homodimerization activity, identical protein binding, and metal binding. The gene is associated with adhesion of symbiont to host cell surface via host glycoprotein, mucociliary clearance, fruiting body formation, defence response to fungi, phagocytosis, and immune response. Its product localises to the early endosome and extracellular space. The gene is linked to aspergillosis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, with studies in Mus musculus models. Related genes in other species encode fucose-specific lectins such as AOL and AAL.