HOC1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C3_06090C_A (HOC1, also known as OCH1) in Candida albicans chromosome 3 encodes a glycolipid 6-alpha-mannosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.232) of the Och1-like family, possessing 1,6-alpha-mannosyltransferase activity. This Golgi-resident enzyme is a component of the mannan polymerase II complex and is associated with N-glycan processing, cell wall mannoprotein and glycoprotein anabolism, cell wall biogenesis and assembly, and morphogenesis. The gene is linked to biofilm formation, filamentous growth in response to starvation, cellular responses to heat and starvation, and immune-related processes including cytokine and IL-10 production. Phenotypic associations include abnormal Golgi morphology, absent or decreased budding and filamentous growth, decreased spore germination, delayed cell cycle, abnormal septum formation, and altered mating efficiency and pheromone sensitivity. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and oxidative stress response.