HMX1 — Candida albicans

Summary

Candida albicans gene C1_00350C_A, symbol HMX1 (also known as CaHMX1) on chromosome 1, encodes a protein belonging to the haem_Oase-like family with heme oxygenase (decyclizing) activity and heme-binding capability. HMX1 is associated with heme oxidation and breakdown, cellular iron ion homeostasis, response to oxidative stress, and immune response. It has been linked to biofilm formation, hyphal growth, cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, DNA replication, ribosome biogenesis, and cell growth. Localization evidence connects the gene product to the endoplasmic reticulum, perinuclear membrane, and plasmalemma. Phenotypic associations include decreased biofilm formation, increased cell death, altered colony color, increased viability, decreased budding index, increased entry into G0 phase, abnormal cell cycle progression in G1 phase, increased prion formation, decreased sporulation efficiency, increased cell size, decreased endocytosis, and altered respiratory metabolism and growth. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response and abnormal endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial morphology.