SWI6 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU7G05620 (AfSWI6) on chromosome 7 encodes the transcription factor SWI6, a member of the APSES family characterised by a KilA/APSES_HTH DNA-binding domain and ankyrin repeats. The encoded protein exhibits promoter-specific chromatin binding, DNA-binding transcription repressor and activator activities for RNA polymerase II, transcription coactivator activity, and sequence-specific DNA binding. AfSWI6 is associated with the regulation of the G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle, meiotic cell cycle modulation, rRNA transcription, asexual sporulation, conidia formation, spore germination, hyphal growth, cytokinesis, morphogenesis, chitin and melanin anabolism, secondary metabolism, and steroid metabolism. It localises to the nucleus, cytoplasm, cytosol, chromatin, and the SBF and MBF complexes. The gene has also been linked to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a mouse model. Studies of related genes in other species connect the SWI6 family to oxidative stress response, turgor pressure, and protein content.