CEK1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CEK1 (RIM15) in Candida albicans encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase of the AGC family, possessing protein serine kinase activity and ATP binding. This gene is associated with the regulation of filamentous growth, including positive regulation of filamentous growth and upregulation of filamentous growth in response to heat. It is linked to cell cycle control, specifically positive regulation of mitotic entry involved in cellular response to nitrogen starvation and regulation of mitotic cytokinesis site selection. CEK1 is associated with oxidative stress response, thermotolerance, hyperosmotic stress resistance, and hydrostatic pressure resistance. Localization studies associate the encoded protein with growing cell tips, hyphal tips, and the cytoskeleton. The gene is also linked to increased adhesion, and abnormal vacuolar distribution.