nirA — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_04185 (nirA) on chromosome 2 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 encodes a Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor with DNA-binding transcription factor activity and RNA polymerase II-specific regulatory function. The gene is associated with nitrate assimilation and nitrogen utilization, including regulation of nitrate import, response to nitrite, and nitric oxide metabolism. It is linked to positive regulation of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II, as well as nuclear import and export. Beyond nitrogen metabolism, nirA has been connected to appressorium formation, hyphal growth, sexual reproduction, the pentose-phosphate shunt, DNA replication, and methylation. The encoded protein localizes to both the cytosol and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the nirA family to nitrogen assimilation transcription factor activity.