CHS1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C7_02770W_A (CHS1) in Candida albicans encodes a chitin synthase with chitin synthase activity (EC 2.4.1.16), containing chitin synthase N-terminal and nucleotide-diphosphosugar transferase domains. The gene is associated with cell wall biogenesis, chitin anabolism and breakdown, septum positioning, germ tube formation, pigmentation, calcium signaling, and inflammatory response including TNF production. It localizes to the membrane, cell periphery, bud neck, and cross wall. CHS1 is linked to candidiasis and disseminated candidiasis. Phenotypic associations include abnormal chitin deposition, absent septum formation, decreased adhesion and flocculation, abnormal bipolar budding and bud neck morphology, decreased cell fusion, arrested cell cycle progression in late anaphase, and increased survival in stationary phase. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to polysaccharide content and vegetative growth.