KDX1 — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

AnKDX1 (KDX1, ANIA_05666) on chromosome 5 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 encodes a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase of the p38-like family, with serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24) and ATP binding. The gene is associated with the pheromone response MAPK cascade, regulation of cell wall organization or biogenesis, melanin and chitin anabolism, siderophore anabolism, cellular thermotolerance, and response to basic pH. It is linked to upregulation of growth rate, calcium-mediated signaling, and calcium import, as well as downregulation of mitotic cytokinesis. The product localizes to the mitotic spindle pole body, cell division site, cytoplasm, cytosol, and nucleus. Associations include increased virulence, altered cell cycle progression, abnormal carbon source utilization, and decreased osmotic stress resistance. Related genes in other species are linked to cell integrity signaling, pathogenicity, and germination rate.