HOG1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VDAG_02354, designated VdHOG1 in Verticillium dahliae, encodes a MAP kinase HOG1-like protein with serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24) and ATP binding capability, belonging to the MAPK_p38-like family. This gene is associated with the stress-activated MAPK cascade, HOG response, osmolarity sensing, and osmotic response, as well as conidium development, melanin anabolism, calcium signaling, cellular response to oxidative stress, cell death, and DNA-dependent transcription. VdHOG1 localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Phenotypic associations include absent osmotic stress resistance, decreased hypoosmotic stress resistance, increased acquired thermotolerance, altered cell cycle progression, absent mating efficiency, and abnormal flocculation. Related genes in other species link the family to reduced virulence, unaffected pathogenicity, and traits such as turgor pressure, germination rate, and calcium sensitivity.