CHS1 — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_02523 (CHS1, AnCHS1) on chromosome 7 encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), containing chitin synthase N-terminal domains. The gene is associated with regulation of chitin anabolism, conidiophore development, chitin anabolism, ascospore formation, conidia formation, cell wall organization, hyphal growth, morphogenesis, and cell growth. The product localizes to the porous cell septum, hyphal tip, cross wall, cell periphery, plasmalemma, and membrane. Phenotypic associations include absent septum formation, abnormal chitin deposition, decreased flocculation and adhesion, absent cell fusion, abnormal bipolar budding and bud neck morphology, decreased chromosome segregation, increased pheromone sensitivity, abnormal spore wall formation, increased respiratory and fermentative metabolism, and increased survival rate in stationary phase. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and absent vegetative growth.