GAS1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_00220W_A (GAS1, also known as PHR2) in Candida albicans encodes a glucanosyltransferase with 1,3-beta-glucanosyltransferase activity, belonging to the glycoside hydrolase superfamily and containing an X8 domain. The gene is associated with fungal-type cell wall assembly and 1,3-beta-glucan metabolism, as well as GPI anchor biosynthesis, lipid modification, and cellular responses to pH and calcium ions. It is linked to biofilm formation, cell-substrate adhesion, phenotypic switching, sexual reproduction, and development of the symbiont in the host. The product localizes to sites of polarized growth, the cell septum, bud membrane and scar, vesicles, lipid rafts, and the external side of the plasma membrane. Associations with alkaline pH resistance, filamentous growth, mating efficiency, and relative growth rate have been observed.