BCR1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CR_06440C_A (BCR1) on Candida albicans chromosome 8 encodes a transcription factor that binds sequence-specific DNA and acts as an RNA polymerase II transcription activator. The gene is associated with regulation of carbon utilization, biofilm formation in the host, granuloma formation, suppression of host inflammatory response, response to hypoxia, cell-cell recognition, and filamentous growth regulation. It has been linked to denture stomatitis and disseminated candidiasis in animal models. The encoded protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, and chromatin, and is part of the Tec1p-Ste12p-Dig1p complex. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to sugar content, germination rate, acid sensitivity, and virulence phenotypes including hypervirulence and loss of pathogenicity.