CHS1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CHS1 (CHS8) on Candida albicans chromosome 3 encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), containing chitin synthase N-terminal and nucleotide-diphospho-sugar transferase domains. The gene is associated with cell septum assembly and positioning, chitin anabolism and breakdown, germ tube and tube formation, ascospore wall assembly, cell wall biogenesis, regeneration, pigmentation, regulation of chitin anabolism, and regulation of DNA replication. It is also linked to inflammatory response and TNF production. The protein localizes to the chitosome, hyphal tip, cross wall, cell periphery, and plasma membrane. Phenotypic associations include abnormal or absent septum formation, decreased flocculation and adhesion, abnormal chitin deposition, altered cell cycle progression, decreased cell fusion, absent or abnormal budding, abnormal bipolar budding pattern, increased pheromone sensitivity, and increased survival rate in stationary phase. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to polysaccharide content and reduced virulence.