CEK1 — Verticillium dahliae

Summary

VdCEK1 (VDAG_09461) of Verticillium dahliae encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with ERK1-type serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24) that binds ATP. The gene is associated with the MAPK cascade and linked to hyphopodium formation, appressorium formation, cell wall modification, nitrogen utilization, and septin ring assembly. It is connected to pheromone response, chemotropism, and parasexual conjugation with cellular fusion. Associations with disruption of host phagocytosis and upregulation of filamentous growth under starvation or biotic stimulus have been noted. The encoded protein localizes to the cytoplasm and nucleus. VdCEK1 is linked to vascular wilt disease in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Studies of related MAPK family members in other species connect the family to oxidative stress response and altered pathogenicity, including both hypervirulence and loss of pathogenicity.