AIP1 — Candida albicans

Summary

CR_02040W_A (AIP1, also known as PRK1) on Candida albicans chromosome 8 encodes a dual-specificity protein kinase with serine/threonine kinase activity, including histone H2BS14 kinase and MEKK activity (EC 2.7.11.1). The gene is associated with regulation of the MAPK cascade, stress-activated MAPK cascade, osmosensory signaling via the Sho1 osmosensor, and p38 cascade. It is linked to mucosal immune response and IL-17A production, as well as negative regulation of sterol import, peptide transport, and regulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, actin patch, mitotic spindle, and nuclear envelope. Phenotypic associations include decreased endocytosis, abnormal filamentous and pseudohyphal growth, decreased cytokinesis rate, delayed cell cycle progression in G2 phase, decreased pheromone sensitivity, and reduced resistance to chemicals. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.