Glioblastoma Models in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and malignant brain tumour with a median survival of 15 months. The genetic basis of GB is heterogeneous, but mutations in EGFR and PI3K pathways are the most frequent. The need of novel models to decipher molecular mechanisms underlying GB progression has brought Drosophila melanogaster as an optimal candidate. The power of fly genetics, the development of novel gene expression and visualisation techniques and genetic and drug screenings put Drosophila in an advantageous position. Moreover, the evolutionary conserved function of glial cells allows an extrapolation of the results towards a clinical view. Key Concepts Glial functions are evolutionary conserved along animal kingdom. Drosophila is a suitable model to study gene networks in GB. The wide collection of experimental tools in Drosophila facilitates the modulation and detection of signalling pathways. Drosophila is a valid model to validate therapeutical platforms. Glioblastoma to neuron communication plays a central role in tumor progression and neurodegeneration.