VEL — Candida albicans

Summary

C1_10210C_A (VEL, also known as CLA4) in Candida albicans encodes a protein serine/threonine kinase with histone H2BS14 kinase activity, annotated as a MAPKKKK and possessing lipid-binding and ATP-binding capabilities. The protein contains PAK3-like, CRIB, PH, and serine/threonine kinase domains. VEL is associated with regulation of the MAPK cascade, positive regulation of bipolar cell polarity establishment, septin ring organization, osmosensory signaling via the Sho1 osmosensor, and negative regulation of sterol import. It localizes to the Cdc42 GTPase complex, actomyosin contractile ring, incipient cellular bud site, and cell division site. Phenotypic associations include altered cell cycle progression (delayed G2 phase, premature G1/S transition), decreased bipolar budding, increased sporulation, decreased flocculation, increased gamma ray resistance, and abnormal lifespan. The gene is also linked to candidiasis.