SSK1 — Fusarium graminearum PH-1

Summary

FGRAMPH1_01G15743 (SSK1) on chromosome 2 of Fusarium graminearum PH-1 encodes a protein with GAF, 2C_system_His_kinase, and response-regulator receiver domains, possessing histidine kinase activity, phosphorelay sensor kinase activity, and ATP binding. SSK1 is associated with osmolarity sensing via a two-component system, activation of the p38 cascade, and cellular HOG response. It is linked to regulation of filamentous growth, conidium and ascospore formation, and cellular responses to neutral pH, farnesol, heat, and oxidative stress. SSK1 localises to the membrane, cell tip, cell division site, and the Mcs4 RR-MAPKKK complex. Studies of related genes in other species link the SSK1 family to virulence, with associations to both loss of pathogenicity and hypervirulence.