SAP9 — Candida albicans

Summary

C3_03870C_A (SAP9) on Candida albicans chromosome 3 encodes an aspartic endopeptidase (EC 3.4.23.24) of the SAP-like family, with aspartic peptidase A1 and peptidase_aspartic_dom_sf domains, and metal-binding activity. The gene is associated with neutrophil activation, epithelial cell differentiation, fibrinolysis, IL-8 production, cell-cell recognition, chemotaxis, blood clotting, and perturbation of host T-cell-mediated immune response. It is also linked to beta-glucan anabolism, innate immunity, demethylation, regulation of autophagy, phagocytosis, and oxidative stress response. The encoded product localizes to the cell periphery, fungal-type cell wall, extracellular vesicle, fungal biofilm matrix, and plasmalemma. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to virulence modulation and candidiasis in mammalian models.