MAP1 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MoMAP1 (MGG_02773) on chromosome 7 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a MADS-box transcription factor of the SRF-like family, possessing DNA-binding, transcription activator, and protein dimerization activities. The gene is associated with appressorium formation, invasive growth, filamentous growth, mating, cell adhesion, signaling, and the cellular response to stress. It is linked to regulation of pseudohyphal growth and positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Localized to the nucleus and chromatin, MoMAP1 is associated with cell cycle progression, including G1/S and G2/M phase transitions, as well as abnormal mating response, pheromone sensitivity, and sterility. The gene is also associated with blast disease in rice and barley. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to cell cycle regulation and mating processes.