BYR1 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU04612 (BYR1, also known as mek-2 or STE7) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 5 encodes a dual-specificity protein kinase with MAPKK activity (EC 2.7.11.24), belonging to the Byr1-like catalytic domain and MAP kinase kinase family. The gene is associated with multiple MAPK cascades, including the cell integrity MAPK cascade, pheromone response MAPK cascade, and signal transduction involved in filamentous growth. It is linked to cell-cell fusion, conjugation with cellular fusion, regulation of ascospore formation, chemotropism, positive regulation of appressorium formation, and invasive growth in response to glucose limitation. The encoded protein localizes to the cytoplasm, nucleus, cell tip, division septum, and mating projection tip. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence in various plant diseases, including anthracnose, smut, canker, and blight.