The secreted aspartic proteinases（SAP）, encoded by the sap gene family, appear to play a major role in Saccharomyces albicans（S.albicans） virulence. The sap gene family is differentially regulated, and distinct members are expressed under a variety of laboratory growth conditions and during experimental S.albicans infections in vitro and in vivo. This review is to summarize recent research regarding the structural feature of Sap, the sap gene family differential expression and discuss the influencing factors.
