A Drosophila gene that is homologous to a mammalian gene associated with tumor metastasis codes for a nucleoside diphosphate kinase |
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Authors: | J Biggs E Hersperger P S Steeg L A Liotta A Shearn |
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Institution: | Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218. |
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Abstract: | The product of the abnormal wing discs (awd) gene of Drosophila is 78% identical to the product of the nm23 gene of mammals, which is differentially expressed in certain metastatic tumors. We present evidence that the awd gene codes for a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDP kinase) and that this Awd/NDP kinase is microtubule associated. Neuroblasts in Drosophila larvae homozygous for a null mutation in the awd gene are arrested in metaphase, indicating that microtubule-associated Awd/NDP kinase plays a critical role in spindle microtubule polymerization. |
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