RBT5 — Candida albicans

Summary

C4_00130W_A (RBT5) on Candida albicans chromosome 4 encodes a CFEM domain-containing protein, G1UA77, that localizes to the cell wall, plasma membrane, and cellular bud. The product binds heme and metal ions, and is associated with hemoglobin uptake, heme membrane transport, cellular iron ion homeostasis, and response to hypoxia. It has been connected to biofilm formation, cell adhesion, hyphal growth, morphogenesis, phagocytosis, secretion, pH reduction, ergosterol anabolism, and seed germination. The gene is also linked to relative growth rate. Studies of related genes in other species have connected the family to reduced virulence and disseminated candidiasis.