ATG1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VDAG_05745, designated VdATG1 (also VdAPG-1) on chromosome DS572705 of Verticillium dahliae, encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase (EC 2.7.11.1) with an Atg1-like domain and a protein kinase ATP-binding site. The gene is associated with autophagy regulation, including autophagic cell death, mitophagy, ER-phagy, and PMN. It is associated with conidium development, germination, and positive regulation of conidium formation, as well as appressorium formation and spore germination. VdATG1 is associated with cellular responses to nitrogen and potassium ion starvation, and localises to the phagophore, PAS, and vacuole–IM contact sites. Phenotypic associations include abnormal colony size, delayed autophagy, increased necrotic cell death, and altered cell cycle progression. Related genes in other species link the family to virulence traits such as reduced or loss of pathogenicity.