CAFA — Candida albicans

Summary

Candida albicans gene CAFA (NCE103) on chromosome 3 encodes a carbonic anhydrase (EC 4.2.1.1) with zinc-binding activity. The enzyme is associated with responses to hypoxia, carbon dioxide, and oxidative stress, as well as regulation of filamentous growth, phenotypic switching, and host interactions including down-regulation of host gene-for-gene resistance. It localizes to the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondrial envelope lumen. The gene is linked to numerous phenotypes including increased aneuploidy, altered cell cycle progression, abnormal budding and colony appearance, increased filamentous growth, decreased heat sensitivity and replicative lifespan, increased chronological lifespan, and altered stress resistance. It is also associated with abnormal actin cytoskeleton morphology, increased chitin deposition, increased killer toxin resistance, and altered lipid particle morphology. Related genes in other species link the family to one-carbon metabolism and heterotrophy.