Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

A Rapid, Simple Workflow for Quantification of External Adult Drosophila Structures
Published on: November 8, 2024
Drosophila melanogaster deoxyribonucleoside kinase activates gemcitabine
Wolfgang Knecht1, Nils Egil Mikkelsen, Anders Ranegaard Clausen
1BioCentrum-DTU, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
Abstract:
Drosophila melanogaster multisubstrate deoxyribonucleoside kinase (Dm-dNK) can additionally sensitize human cancer cell lines towards the anti-cancer drug gemcitabine. We show that this property is based on the Dm-dNK ability to efficiently phosphorylate gemcitabine. The 2.2A resolution structure of Dm-dNK in complex with gemcitabine shows that the residues Tyr70 and Arg105 play a crucial role in the firm positioning of gemcitabine by extra interactions made by the fluoride atoms. This explains why gemcitabine is a good substrate for Dm-dNK.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

