CHT4 — Candida albicans

Summary

C2_02010C_A (CHT4) in Candida albicans encodes a chitinase II family protein with a glycosyl hydrolase 18 domain, exhibiting chitinase activity, chitin binding, and transglycosidase activity. This extracellular enzyme is associated with chitin breakdown and anabolism, cell aggregation, morphogenesis, hyphal growth, biofilm formation, sporulation, and ergosterol anabolism. Phenotypic associations include altered endocytosis, increased alkaline pH resistance, decreased shmoo formation, reduced chitin deposition, abnormal budding and cell cycle progression, increased biofilm formation, abnormal sporulation, and altered stress responses including increased cold sensitivity and decreased ionic and hydrostatic pressure resistance. The gene is also linked to changes in exponential growth rate, mating response, apoptosis, protein secretion, and resistance to killer toxin and metals. Studies of related chitinase family members in other species connect the family to abnormal vegetative growth and decreased sporulation efficiency.