atfD — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU6G12150 (atfD) on chromosome 6 of Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a putative bZIP transcription factor (Atf7) belonging to the bZIP transcription factor family. The product possesses DNA-binding transcription factor activity, specifically RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding. It is localized to the nucleus. The gene is associated with the upregulation of aflatoxin anabolism, the osmotic response, the cellular response to hydrogen peroxide, the MAPK cascade, the cellular response to heat, signal transduction, and the regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. It has also been linked to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mouse and Galleria mellonella models. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to reduced virulence and to diseases including ear rot in corn and yellow mold in peanut.