HAP5 — Candida albicans

Summary

C5_00940C_A (HAP5) in Candida albicans encodes a histone-fold domain-containing protein with DNA-binding transcription factor activity and protein heterodimerization activity. This gene is associated with regulation of filamentous growth, including downregulation in response to neutral pH and upregulation in response to starvation and biotic stimuli, as well as positive regulation of filamentous growth. HAP5 is linked to biofilm formation, cell adhesion, aerobic respiration, the TCA cycle, carbohydrate metabolism, and responses to iron, copper, heat, and basic pH. It localizes to the nucleus, chromatin, and centric heterochromatin. Phenotypic associations include abnormal respiratory metabolism, increased osmotic stress resistance, decreased pseudohyphal growth, altered cell cycle progression, and increased apoptosis. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence and decreased biofilm formation.