KDX1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FgKDX1 (FGRAMPH1_01G07795) on chromosome 1 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) of the p38-like family, possessing protein serine/threonine kinase activity and ATP binding. This gene is associated with the regulation of melanin and chitin anabolism, cell wall organization, cellular thermotolerance, and the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signaling pathway. It is linked to upregulation of growth rate and calcium-mediated signaling, as well as downregulation of mitotic cytokinesis and glucose-mediated signaling. The encoded product localizes to the mitotic spindle pole body, cell division site, cytoplasm, cytosol, and nucleus. Phenotypic associations include increased virulence, altered cell cycle progression, abnormal carbon source utilization, decreased hypoosmotic stress resistance, and increased sporulation rate. Related genes in other species link it to the cell integrity MAPK cascade and traits such as oxidative stress response and germination rate.