CHK1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU01823 (CHK1) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 2 encodes a histidine kinase with osmosensor, peroxide sensor, and histidine phosphotransfer kinase activities (EC 2.7.13.3). The protein contains GAF, HisKA, HATPase_c, and CheY-like receiver domains, and localizes to the plasma membrane, cell tip, and cell division site. CHK1 is associated with osmolarity sensing via a two-component system, the cellular HOG response, activation of the p38 cascade, histidyl-aspartyl phosphorelay, and regulation of conidium formation, ascospore formation, filamentous growth, and biofilm formation. It is also linked to fungal-type cell wall biogenesis, DNA damage checkpoint, and responses to farnesol and reactive oxygen species. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to percent germination and altered virulence, including reduced virulence and loss of pathogenicity.