GAS1 — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_11152 (GAS1, AnGAS1) on chromosome 7 of Aspergillus nidulans encodes a 1,3-beta-glucanosyltransferase, a member of the glycoside hydrolase superfamily with glucanosyltransferase activity (EC 2.4.1.-). The gene is associated with fungal-type cell wall assembly and 1,3-beta-glucan metabolism, as well as cell morphogenesis, division septum assembly, and establishment or maintenance of cell polarity. It has been linked to host invasion, adhesion of symbiont to host, single-species biofilm formation, and development of symbiont in host. The encoded protein localises to the cell septum edging, primary cell septum, new and old growing cell tips, and sites of polarized growth. Phenotypic associations include abnormal filamentous growth, increased fermentative growth, and absence of alkaline pH resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.