aceA — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU6G07780 (aceA) on chromosome 6 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a copper-fist DNA-binding domain transcription factor that binds copper and zinc, acts as an RNA polymerase II-specific transcription activator, and localises to the nucleus, cytoplasm, cytosol, chromatin and cell cortex. The gene is associated with copper ion homeostasis, including copper export and cellular copper ion homeostasis, as well as cellular iron ion homeostasis, detoxification, regulation of superoxide removal, immune evasion, and both positive and negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. It has also been linked to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a mouse model. Studies of related genes in other species connect the gene family to copper concentration and copper sensitivity traits, though pathogenicity appears unaffected in those relatives.