CWG2 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU6G06710 (symbol CWG2, also known as CDC43) encodes a putative geranylgeranyl transferase beta subunit, a component of the CAAX-protein geranylgeranyltransferase complex. The gene is associated with protein prenylation, including both geranylgeranylation and farnesylation, and with the establishment of protein localization to the plasma membrane. In Aspergillus fumigatus, CWG2 is linked to hyphal growth, morphogenesis, and hypersensitivity. Associations with a wide range of phenotypes have been recorded, including abnormal filamentous growth, decreased invasive growth, altered cell cycle progression, reduced mating efficiency, decreased osmotic stress resistance, and increased cell death. The gene has also been connected to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a mouse model. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.