Fumble is required for cell division in Drosophila. Mutants lacking fumble exhibit abnormalities in bipolar spindle organisation, chromosome segregation, and contractile ring formation. Analyses have demonstrated that encodes three protein isoforms, all of which contain a domain with high similarity to the pantothenate kinases of A. nidulans and mouse[1]. A role of fumble in membrane synthesis has been proposed[1].

1: fumble encodes a pantothenate kinase homolog required for proper mitosis and meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster. Afshar K, Gonczy P, DiNardo S, Wasserman SA; Genetics 2001;157:1267-1276. PMID:11238410