RAC1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_06730W_A (RAC1) on Candida albicans chromosome 1 encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family, possessing GTPase activity, GTP and GDP binding, protein kinase binding, and signaling adaptor activity. This gene is associated with the regulation of cell morphogenesis, including bipolar cell growth, isotropic bud growth, and the switch from budding to filamentous growth. It is linked to cortical cytoskeleton organization, cell wall modification via positive regulation of 1,3-beta-D-glucan biosynthetic process, and regulation of exocytosis and vesicle-mediated transport. Localization evidence connects the product to the hyphal tip polarisome, Spitzenkorper, and 1,3-beta-glucan synthase complex. Phenotypic associations include abnormal filamentous growth, decreased cytokinesis rate, delayed sporulation, increased mating efficiency, and absence of hyperosmotic stress resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and loss of pathogenicity.