ERG9 — Candida albicans

Summary

C2_08610W_A (ERG9, CaERG9) on Candida albicans chromosome 2 encodes a squalene synthase (EC 2.5.1.21), a member of the squalene/phytoene synthase family. The gene is associated with ergosterol and sterol anabolism, isoprenoid anabolism via the mevalonate pathway, carotene anabolism, fatty acid anabolism, lipogenesis, and prenylation. It is linked to biofilm formation, morphogenesis, fermentation, wound healing, and tRNA processing. The product localises to the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear membrane-ER network, with additional association to the plasma membrane. Phenotypic associations include abnormal plasma membrane morphology, chitin deposition, septum formation, and cytokinesis; increased cell death and G2/M phase progression; decreased critical cell size at G1; absent hyperosmotic stress resistance; and altered vacuolar transport, endocytosis, and pexophagy. Related genes in other species link the family to ergosterol pathway regulation.