CDC7 — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPBC776.12C (CDC7, hsk1) on chromosome 2 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase with ERK1 activity (EC 2.7.11.1), possessing a protein kinase domain and ATP-binding capability. This gene is associated with multiple cell cycle processes, including mitotic S phase, positive regulation of DNA replication initiation, cleavage furrow formation, centromere separation, and meiotic spindle assembly. It is also linked to regulation of mRNA splicing, bipolar cell polarity, calcium ion import and signaling, DNA repair, and response to hydroxyurea. The protein localizes to the DDK complex, nuclear lumen, division septum, mitotic spindle pole body, cell tip, nucleolus, and chromatin. Phenotypic associations include altered cell cycle progression rates through G1, G2, and anaphase, abnormal spore germination, increased sporulation, and effects on chromosome segregation and meiotic recombination. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity and reduced virulence.