BYR2 — Neurospora crassa

Summary

NCU06182 (BYR2, also known as nrc-1) on Neurospora crassa chromosome 3 encodes a MEKK (MAPK/ERK kinase kinase) with protein serine/threonine kinase activity and ATP binding, containing Ras-binding, SAM, and kinase domains. The gene is associated with multiple MAPK cascades including JNK, p38, cell integrity, and pheromone response pathways, as well as chemotropism, cell-cell fusion, sexual reproduction, cleistothecium development, and fungal-type cell wall organization. Localization evidence links the product to the division septum, cell tip, cell division site, plasmalemma, and cytoplasm. Phenotypic associations include absent mating efficiency and cell fusion, abnormal pheromone sensitivity and mating response, decreased osmotic stress resistance, altered cell cycle progression, and increased polyploidy rate. Related genes in other species are linked to virulence and pathogenicity traits.