CEK1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VdCEK1 (VDAG_03223) on chromosome DS572699 of Verticillium dahliae encodes a non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase of the AGC family, containing PAS and CheY-like signal receiver domains, with protein serine/threonine kinase activity, ATP binding and identical protein binding. The gene is associated with positive regulation of mitotic entry involved in cellular response to nitrogen starvation, regulation of mitotic cytokinesis site selection, actomyosin organization, lipid raft organization, upregulation of filamentous growth of a population of unicellular organisms in response to heat, upregulation of exocytosis, positive regulation of autophagy, RAM/MOR signaling, and cellular salinity response. It localizes to growing cell tips, hyphal tips, the cell cortex, cytoskeleton, cellular bud tips, cross walls, incipient cellular bud sites, mating projection tips, and cellular bud necks. Phenotypic associations include altered cell cycle progression, increased thermotolerance, decreased spore germination rate, increased adhesion, abnormal respiratory metabolism, and increased freeze-thaw resistance. Related genes in other species link it to nutrient-sensing and cell cycle control.