YAK1 — Candida albicans

Summary

C2_04660C_A (YAK1, also known as PPK15, PRK-2, CaPRK-2, CaPPK15, CaYAK1) in Candida albicans chromosome 2 encodes a dual-specificity protein kinase with cyclin-dependent protein kinase activity, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, protein tyrosine kinase activity, and phosphatidylinositol phosphate binding. It belongs to the Ser/Thr dual-specificity kinase family and localizes to the CDK holoenzyme, mitotic and meiotic spindles, and the actomyosin contractile ring. The gene is associated with the cAMP/PKA signaling cassette, regulation of cellular response to glucose starvation, positive regulation of mRNA splicing, and multiple cell cycle checkpoint responses. Phenotypic associations include increased thermotolerance, increased fermentative growth rate, altered cell cycle progression (including G2 phase duration changes, anaphase arrest, and premature meiosis), decreased adhesion, altered nitrogen source utilization, increased freeze-thaw resistance, and abnormal respiratory metabolism. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to dual-specificity kinase activity (EC 2.7.12.1) and interactions with SIT4 and CDC5.