BRLA — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_02290 (BRLA, steA) on chromosome 7 encodes a STE12 transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. The gene is associated with the regulation of asexual and sexual sporulation, cleistothecium formation, fruiting body development, spore dispersal, mating behavior, syngamy, and parasexual conjugation. It is linked to temporal regulation of development, response to red light, cell wall thickening, mannitol and phytosphingosine biosynthesis, cell volume homeostasis, and cellular response to nutrients. The product localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, chromatin, and Tec1p-Ste12p-Dig1p and Ste12p-Dig1p-Dig2p complexes. Associations with sporogenesis, germination rate, oxidative stress response, and numerous phenotypes including abnormal biofilm formation, absent mating efficiency, increased polyploidy, and decreased budding rate have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to virulence and pathogenicity.