Biggs, J., Hersperger, E., Steeg, P.S., Liotta, L.A., Shearn, A. (1990). A Drosophila gene that is homologous to a mammalian gene associated with tumor metastasis codes for a nucleoside diphosphate kinase.  Cell 63(): 933--940.

FBrf0051397

Research paper

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.