UTR2 — Candida albicans

Summary

Candida albicans UTR2 (C3_01730C_A) encodes a glycosyl hydrolase family 16 protein with chitinase and transglycosidase activity, classified under EC 3.2.1.14 and 2.4.-.-. The product is associated with chitin metabolism, including both chitin breakdown and anabolism, as well as cell wall biogenesis and organization. UTR2 is linked to hyphal growth, biofilm formation, adhesion to host, ascospore wall assembly, and morphogenesis. It localizes to the fungal-type cell wall, including yeast-form and hyphal cell walls, ascospore wall, cross wall, and extracellular vesicles. The gene is associated with altered filamentous and pseudohyphal growth, abnormal cell wall morphology, increased chitin deposition, decreased cell size, and changes in mating response, lifespan, and resistance to acid pH, alkaline pH, freeze-thaw, and enzymatic treatment. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to invasive growth.