ZRFB — Candida albicans

Summary

C2_02590W_A (ZRFB, also known as ZRT2) on Candida albicans chromosome 2 encodes a ZIP family zinc permease with low-affinity and high-affinity zinc transmembrane transporter activity, copper binding, and zinc binding. The gene is associated with zinc transport, import, and homeostasis, as well as cell-cell signaling, quorum sensing, germ tube formation, filamentous growth, morphogenesis, phagocytosis, detoxification, and sterol and ergosterol anabolism. It localizes to the plasma membrane and ER membrane. Phenotypic associations include increased mutation frequency, abnormal lipid particle morphology, increased metal resistance, altered chemical compound accumulation, decreased vegetative growth and competitive fitness, and altered resistance to chemicals. The gene is also linked to disseminated candidiasis in a mouse model. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to small molecule transport and vacuolar morphology.