BYR1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VDAG_08626 (symbol BYR1, also known as VdMEK-2 or VdSTE7) in Verticillium dahliae encodes a dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) with EC 2.7.12.2 activity. This gene is associated with the regulation of hyphopodium and appressorium formation, ascospore formation, and filamentous growth in response to starvation and glucose limitation. It is linked to the cell integrity MAPK cascade, pheromone response MAPK cascade, protein phosphorylation, nitrogen utilization, and sterol anabolism. The encoded protein localizes to the cytoplasm, nucleus, cell tip, division septum, and mating projection tip. BYR1 is connected to vascular wilt disease in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) caused by V. dahliae. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to loss of pathogenicity and diseases including anthracnose, smut, canker, and fruit rot.