KEX2 — Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288c

Summary

YNL238W, also known as KEX1 or KEX2, on chromosome XIV of Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288c, encodes a serine-type endopeptidase with endopeptidase activity and serine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity. The protein belongs to the Kexin/furin family and contains Peptidase_S8 subtilisin-related domains. This gene is associated with peptide hormone processing, mating pheromone secretion, and peptide mating pheromone formation involved in conjugation with cellular fusion. It is linked to developmental maturation, pseudohyphal growth, and protein kinase A signaling. The product localizes to the Golgi membrane, trans-Golgi network, and membrane. Associations include traits such as carbohydrate content, zinc sensitivity, calcium sensitivity, and oxidative stress. Phenotypic connections include increased cell size, decreased stress resistance, decreased chronological lifespan, decreased vegetative growth rate, and increased invasive growth. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence.