KDX1 — Aspergillus fumigatus

Summary

AFU4G13720 (KDX1, also known as mpkA) in Aspergillus fumigatus encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with serine/threonine kinase activity, classified as EC 2.7.11.24 (ERK1). The gene is associated with the cell wall integrity MAPK cascade, stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signaling, and positive regulation of appressorium formation. It is linked to cell wall polysaccharide and chitin anabolism, melanin regulation, oxylipin biosynthesis, and cellular thermotolerance. Localization evidence places the product at the mitotic spindle pole body, cell division site, cytoplasm, cytosol, and nucleus. Associations with traits include oxidative stress response and salt tolerance, while phenotypes connected to this gene include altered cell cycle progression, sporulation rate, and carbon source utilization. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to altered virulence and stress resistance.