shibire's enhancer is cancer's suppressor
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Updated: Oct 3, 2026
Dissection of Enhancer Function Using Multiplex CRISPR-based Enhancer Interference in Cell Lines
Published on: June 2, 2018
1Dept of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. dld14@cornell.edu
Abstract:
Reliable neurotransmitter release requires an adequate pool of synaptic vesicles. These pools are maintained by the process of endocytosis. A recent paper revealed that dynamin, a GTPase essential for endocytosis, is regulated by Abnormal wing disc (Awd), a nucleoside diphosphate kinase which converts nucleoside diphosphates to nucleoside triphosphates. This finding suggests that access to GTP directly regulates endocytosis. In addition, awd is homologous to the tumor suppressor gene nm23, further suggesting that dynamin might be involved in tumorigenesis.
Insights
Abnormal wing disc (Awd) regulates dynamin, a GTPase crucial for synaptic vesicle endocytosis. This suggests GTP availability directly controls endocytosis and implicates dynamin in tumor suppression due to Awd
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Synaptic vesicle pools are vital for neurotransmitter release and are maintained by endocytosis.
- Dynamin, a GTPase, is essential for the endocytosis process.
- Abnormal wing disc (Awd) is a nucleoside diphosphate kinase involved in nucleotide metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory role of Abnormal wing disc (Awd) in dynamin function.
- To explore the connection between GTP availability and endocytosis.
- To assess the potential involvement of dynamin in tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to study nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity of Awd.
- In vitro assays to examine the regulation of dynamin by Awd.
- Genetic studies in model organisms to analyze the in vivo function of Awd and dynamin.
Main Results:
- Abnormal wing disc (Awd) was found to regulate dynamin, a key GTPase in endocytosis.
- Awd's enzymatic activity, converting nucleoside diphosphates to triphosphates, suggests GTP availability directly influences endocytosis.
- Awd is homologous to the nm23 tumor suppressor gene, indicating a potential link between dynamin and cancer.
Conclusions:
- GTP availability, regulated by Awd, is a critical factor in controlling synaptic vesicle endocytosis.
- Dynamin's regulation by Awd suggests a novel role in cellular processes beyond vesicle trafficking, potentially linking it to tumor suppression mechanisms.
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