IRA1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_12450C_A (IRA1/IRA2) in Candida albicans encodes a Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) containing a RasGAP domain and a CRAL-TRIO domain, placing it in the Rho GTPase activation protein family. This gene is associated with the regulation of intracellular signaling chains, signal transduction, and morphogenesis, including hyphal growth and biofilm formation. It has been linked to numerous phenotypes such as increased acquired thermotolerance, increased fermentative growth, increased adhesion, decreased lifespan, and abnormal or absent biofilm formation, flocculation, and nuclear fusion during mating. Additionally, IRA1 is associated with pyruvate metabolism, the TCA cycle, protein folding, and vacuolar transport. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response and acid sensitivity, though these associations are not established for C. albicans IRA1 itself.