BEM2 — Candida albicans

Summary

C7_01550W_A (BEM2, also known as CaSTE7 or CaBEM2) in Candida albicans chromosome 7 encodes a protein with Rho GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP) and Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RasGEF) domains, along with a PH domain, and exhibits small GTPase binding and GAP activity. The gene is associated with regulation of actin cable assembly, bipolar cell polarity establishment, mitotic division septum assembly, cell wall organization, and negative regulation of the cell integrity MAPK cascade. It is linked to biofilm formation, pseudohyphal growth, chitin anabolism, and Golgi-to-plasma membrane transport. Localization evidence places the product at the cleavage furrow, cellular bud, actomyosin contractile ring, and sites of polarized growth. Phenotypic associations include increased virulence, abnormal flocculation, absent biofilm formation, increased adhesion, and altered cell cycle progression. Related genes in other species link the family to Rho-GAP function and budding.