The MAP kinase TVK1 regulates conidiation, hydrophobicity and the expression of genes encoding cell wall proteins in the fungus Trichoderma virens.

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases modulate morphological and genetic processes, which determine cell fate. The tvk1 gene encodes a MAP kinase of Trichoderma virens and its deletion promotes an unusual conidiation phenotype in submerged culture. Here, it is reported that the morphology, physiology and expression of genes encoding cell wall proteins from Trichoderma are significantly affected by Tvk1.