CRH1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CRH1 (C4_02900C_A) on chromosome 4 of Candida albicans encodes a putative transglycosidase of the glycosyl hydrolase 16 (GH16) family, with predicted chitinase activity (EC 3.2.1.14) and IgE-binding capacity. The gene is associated with cell wall biogenesis, organization, and assembly, as well as chitin metabolism, glucan anabolism, and ergosterol anabolism. It is linked to hyphal growth, biofilm formation, cell adhesion, and plasmid maintenance. The encoded protein localizes to the yeast-form and hyphal cell walls, the plasma membrane, extracellular vesicles, and the incipient bud site. Phenotypic associations include altered cell wall morphology, increased chitin deposition, increased biofilm formation, abnormal budding and cell shape, decreased cell size, increased flocculation, and reduced invasive growth. The gene is also associated with relative growth rate and decreased cell death under certain conditions. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and stress resistance.