MEP1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VDAG_00751, designated MEP1 (VdMEP1) on chromosome DS572695 of Verticillium dahliae, encodes a metallopeptidase belonging to the Peptidase_M43 family with a MetalloPept_cat_dom_sf domain. The gene product is an effector with metallopeptidase activity and metal binding capability, secreted to the extracellular space. It is associated with proteolysis and evasion of symbiont recognition by the host pattern recognition receptor. Studies of related genes in other species link the MEP1 family to reduced virulence, and the protein has been characterized as both a cytoplasmic and apoplastic effector.