ALS3 — Candida albicans

Summary

CR_07070C_A (ALS3) on Candida albicans chromosome 8 encodes a member of the agglutinin-like sequence (ALS) protein family, characterised by agglutinin-like repeat and adhesion domains, and is annotated with fibronectin, laminin, and peptide binding activities. The gene is associated with cell adhesion involved in biofilm formation, multi-species biofilm formation, cell-cell recognition and signaling, and symbiont-mediated perturbation of host processes including iron acquisition from host and opsonization. It is linked to chronic inflammatory response, antibody production, detection of symbiotic fungi, and processes such as receptor breakdown, vitamin A metabolism, and seed growth. The protein localises to the yeast-form and hyphal cell wall, extracellular vesicles, and the plasma membrane. Associations with relative growth rate, polysaccharide content, and oxidative stress response have also been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to host interaction and virulence.