Transcription factor which regulates genes involved in hyphal development, cell adhesion, biofilm development, and virulence. Plays a role in the formation of 'finger' morphology, a unique multicellular morphology of C.albicans induced by carbon dioxide. Regulates gene expression during intestinal colonization. Required for the expression of the secreted aspartyl proteinases SAP4, SAP5, and SAP6; but also of BCR1, PGA4, and CDC24. Moreover, a positive feedback loop between CDC24 and TEC1 contributes to an increase in active CDC42 at the tip of the germ tube which is important for hyphae formation. Regulates also the pheromone response of the white cell phenotype. Expression is induced by CPH2 which directly binds to the two sterol regulatory element 1-like elements upstream of TEC1. Expression is also regulated by the histone deacetylase complex HDAC3, as well as by TOR1 and EFG1. Moreover, heat shock factor-type transcriptional regulator SFL1 represses expression whereas SFL2 induces expression. In white cells, is up-regulated in the presence of alpha-pheromone. Expression is induced during oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Competitors Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium secreted factors decrease TEC1 expression to impair biofilm formation. Expression is also down-regulated by linoleic acid and tetrandrine. Impairs the formation of germ tubes and true hyphae; and decreases virulence in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. Leads to defective biofilm under normoxic conditions but not under hypoxic conditions. Belongs to the TEC1 family.