HSP9 — Candida albicans

Summary

C5_02110W_A (CaHSP9, also known as HSP12) encodes a member of the HSP9/HSP12 family and is annotated with lipid-binding molecular function. The gene is associated with a wide range of biological processes in Candida albicans, including regulation of morphogenesis, germ tube formation, hyphal growth, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, cell-cell adhesion, mating, and responses to heat, oxidative stress, and general cellular stress. It is also linked to lipid homeostasis and metabolism, signal transduction, and DNA repair. The protein localises to the yeast-form and hyphal cell walls, the plasma membrane, and the cytosol. Phenotypic associations include altered acquired thermotolerance, decreased biofilm formation, decreased pseudohyphal growth, increased desiccation resistance, and changes in cell size, viability, and cell cycle progression. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to cell membrane stability, biofilm formation, and cold and heat sensitivity.