Non Metastatic Cells 1, Protein NM23A Expressed In (NME1)

NME1 was identified because of its reduced mRNA transcript levels in highly metastatic cells. Co-transcription of this gene and the neighboring downstream gene (NME2) generates naturally-occurring transcripts (NME1-NME2), which encodes a fusion protein consisting of sequence sharing identity with each individual gene product.

Human NM23 protein has sequence homology over the entire translated region with a developmentally related protein in Drosophila encoded by the 'abnormal wing discs' (awd) gene. Mutations in awd cause abnormal tissue morphology and necrosis and widespread aberrant differentiation in Drosophila, analogous to the changes in malignant progression.