HST1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_09050W_A (HST1) in Candida albicans encodes a sirtuin-family NAD-dependent histone deacetylase with activity toward histones H3K4, H3K9, H3K14, and H4K16, and also has transcription corepressor activity. The gene is associated with epigenetic regulation of gene expression, heterochromatin assembly at rDNA, centromeres, subtelomeres, and the mating-type region, and with suppression of mitotic and meiotic recombination. HST1 is linked to cellular responses to oxygen levels and nutrients, quorum sensing, phenotypic switching, adhesion to host, and suppression of host immune responses. Phenotypic associations include flocculation, virulence, cell cycle progression, oxidative stress resistance, and nutrient uptake. The protein localizes to the nuclear lumen, chromatin, and the SET3C. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to oxidative stress response.