HAC1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_06130C_A (HAC1) in Candida albicans encodes a bZIP transcription factor of the Hac1/HY5 family, with DNA-binding and RNA polymerase II-specific transcription factor activity. The gene is associated with the unfolded protein response, ER stress response, and ER-phagy, as well as regulation of filamentous growth, hyphal growth, biofilm formation, cell wall biogenesis and organization, host invasion, and virulence. It is linked to cellular homeostasis, osmotic response, mRNA breakdown, protein processing and folding, ergosterol anabolism, cell cycle modulation, and oxidative stress response. Localized to the nucleus, HAC1 is connected to candidiasis and has been studied in mouse models. Phenotypic associations include increased virulence, altered thermotolerance, abnormal flocculation, premature apoptosis, delayed growth, and changes in nutrient uptake, transport, and cell cycle progression. Related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.