LmxMPK9, a mitogen-activated protein kinase homologue affects flagellar length in Leishmania mexicana.

Components of mitogen-activated signal transduction pathways have been shown to be involved in flagellum biogenesis and maintenance. A mitogen-activated protein kinase homologue, designated LmxMPK9 from Leishmania mexicana, has been recently identified in a homology screen and its mRNA found to be present in all life stages. Three different splice-addition sites were used for mRNA maturation in trans-splicing in the different life stages.