CEK1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU02393, also known as CEK1 or mak-2, encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) of the ERK1/2 subfamily, possessing serine/threonine kinase activity and ATP binding capability. In Neurospora crassa, this gene is associated with numerous biological processes including cell-cell fusion, protoperithecium formation, invasive hyphae formation, chemotropism, cell migration, cell wall modification, and positive regulation of appressorium formation. It is linked to signal complex assembly, myoblast fusion, and macrophage fusion. The encoded protein localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. CEK1 is associated with mating efficiency, pheromone sensitivity, cell cycle progression, biofilm formation, and spore germination. Studies of related MAPK family members in other species link the family to pathogenicity traits including reduced virulence, loss of pathogenicity, and hypervirulence, as well as responses to oxidative stress.