MKK1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU1G05800 (MKK1) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a dual-specificity protein kinase with MAPKK activity, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and ATP binding. This gene is associated with multiple MAPK cascades, including the cell integrity and pheromone response pathways, as well as signal transduction involved in filamentous growth. It is linked to the regulation of ascospore and conidia formation, spore formation, pseudohyphal growth, and positive regulation of appressorium formation. The gene has been connected to cell cycle progression, particularly G2/M phase transition, and to phenotypes such as absent sporulation efficiency, abnormal mating response, and altered alkaline pH resistance. Localization evidence places the product at the division septum, mating projection tip, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress response and virulence.