Dynamic Control of dNTP Synthesis in Early Embryos (Developmental Cell)

Rapid nuclear cleavages in early Drosophila embryos require massive amounts of dNTPs. Song et al. show that embryos synthesize dNTPs `on the go.` Feedback regulation of synthesis, whereby the rate-limiting dNTP synthesis enzyme is inhibited by dATP and is reactivated with depletion of maternal dNTP supplies, is essential for development.