SSK1 — Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h-

Summary

SPBC887.10, also known as SSK1 or mcs4 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe 972h- on chromosome 2, encodes a protein with a signal transduction response regulator receiver domain and a CheY-like superfamily domain. The gene product possesses histidine kinase activity, phosphorelay sensor kinase activity, phosphorelay response regulator activity, and protein kinase activator activity, and binds ATP. SSK1 is associated with the Mcs4 RR-MAPKKK complex and localizes to the cell tip, cell division site, membrane, cytoplasm, and cytosol. It is linked to the mitotic cell cycle, the cellular HOG response, osmolarity sensing via the two-component system, activation of the p38 cascade, regulation of filamentous growth and flocculation, and cellular responses to neutral pH, farnesol, and oxidative stress. Phenotypically, SSK1 is associated with abnormal filamentous growth, decreased flocculation, increased mating efficiency, increased anaerobic growth, altered cell cycle progression, and loss of osmotic stress resistance, desiccation resistance, and pheromone sensitivity. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to virulence and stress responses.