CHA4 — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPCC777.02 (CHA4, also known as TEA1) on chromosome 3 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe encodes a zinc-finger DNA-binding transcription factor. The protein contains a Zn2-C6 fungal-type DNA-binding domain and is annotated with RNA polymerase II-specific transcription factor activity. CHA4 is associated with monopolar cell growth, microtubule dynamics and stabilization, actin depolymerization, spore wall assembly, nitrogen utilization, and the DNA replication checkpoint. It localizes to both the cytosol and nucleus. Phenotypic associations link CHA4 to cell cycle progression, with premature metaphase and telophase progression, G1 and G2/M phase arrest, and abnormal cell size. The gene is also connected to meiosis, spore germination, budding patterns, pseudohyphal growth, nitrogen and carbon source utilization, chitin deposition, sporulation, and alkaline pH resistance. Studies of related genes in other fungi link the family to loss of pathogenicity and abnormal nuclear morphology.