CHS1 — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_04367 (CHS1, AnCHS1) encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), containing chitin synthase N-terminal domains. The gene is associated with chitin anabolism and its regulation, cell wall organization, hyphal growth, conidiophore development, ascospore formation, conidia formation, morphogenesis, and cell growth. The encoded protein localizes to the plasma membrane, hyphal tip, porous cell septum, cross wall, and cell periphery. Phenotypic associations include abnormal chitin deposition, absent septum formation, decreased flocculation, absent or decreased cell fusion, abnormal bipolar budding and bud neck morphology, decreased chromosome segregation, increased respiratory and fermentative metabolism, increased survival in stationary phase, and abnormal spore wall formation. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to septum formation, vegetative growth, and virulence.