CEK1 — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPAC31G5.09C (CEK1, also known as spk1) on chromosome 1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) of the p38-like family, with ERK1 activity and protein serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24). The gene is associated with invasive hyphae formation, positive regulation of appressorium formation, and pheromone response MAPK cascade. It is linked to cell cycle regulation including G1 arrest in response to pheromone, G1/G0 transition, cell quiescence, and G2/M phase progression. Associations include mating efficiency, cell fusion, shmoo formation, biofilm formation, flocculation, and spore germination. The product localizes to the mitotic spindle pole body, cytoplasm, cytosol, and nucleus. Studies of related MAPK family members in other species link the family to virulence, pathogenicity, and oxidative stress response.