GAS1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_02360C_A (GAS1, also known as PGA5) 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 ascospore wall assembly, division septum assembly, and cell-substrate adhesion. It is linked to biofilm formation in the host, host invasion, adhesion of symbiont to host, and development of symbiont in host. The encoded product localizes to the cell septum edging, primary cell septum, cellular bud membrane and scar, new and old growing cell tips, and sites of polarized growth. Phenotypic associations include abnormal filamentous growth, absent alkaline pH resistance, increased fermentative growth, altered mating response and efficiency, and abnormal nuclear fusion during mating. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.