CEK1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CEK1 (C4_06480C_A) in Candida albicans encodes a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase with serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24), classified as ERK1. The gene is associated with multiple biological processes, including invasive hyphae formation, germ tube formation, mating projection assembly, parasexual conjugation, cell wall modification, quorum sensing, and the pheromone response MAPK cascade. It is linked to positive regulation of appressorium formation, protein kinase A activation, cAMP and glycerol anabolism, phospholipid homeostasis, septin ring assembly, and response to cyclophosphamide. The encoded protein localises to the cytoplasm, cytosol, nucleus, and mitotic spindle pole body. Phenotypic associations include abnormal biofilm formation, absent mating efficiency and flocculation, altered cell cycle progression, and abnormal pheromone sensitivity and response. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity.