KNK1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CR_09860W_A (KNK1, also known as YTA6) on Candida albicans chromosome 8 encodes an AAA+ ATPase with microtubule-severing ATPase activity, membrane protein dislocase activity, and ATP-dependent protein disaggregase activity. It is associated with microtubule severing and bundling, membrane fission, MVB formation, and extraction of mislocalized proteins from the mitochondrial outer membrane. The gene is linked to cytokine production, including IL-6 and IL-8, as well as the acute inflammatory response, blood clotting, and fibrinolysis. Phenotypic associations include decreased pseudohyphal growth, abnormal chromosome segregation, cell cycle arrest in S and M phases, decreased osmotic stress resistance, and decreased acquired thermotolerance. The protein localizes to the ESCRT-IV complex, endosome membrane, and the external side of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity.