CHS3 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU8G05630 (CHS3, chsF) encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16). The gene is associated with conidiophore development, asexual sporulation, ascospore wall assembly, hyphal growth, biofilm formation, and chitin anabolism. It is linked to cellular mechanical stimulus response, protein localization to the bud neck, and polysaccharide content. The encoded protein localizes to the chitosome, plasma membrane, cross wall, extracellular vesicle, and cellular bud neck. CHS3 is associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and has been studied in Galleria mellonella and Mus musculus models. Phenotypic associations include abnormal chitin deposition, decreased septum formation, altered cell cycle progression, abnormal spore wall formation, and decreased adhesion. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to unaffected pathogenicity.