Implications of Drosophila neuroblast development for tumorigenesis

Background: Tumors are characterized by excessive proliferation and the capacity for metastasis. Understanding the detailed mechanisms of tumor progression is crucial for both tumor prevention and targeted therapy. Drosophila melanogaster neural stem cells, referred to as neuroblasts (NBs), serve as an ideal model for studying tumorigenesis by recapitulating conserved cellular behaviors, signaling pathways, and regulatory mechanisms. NBs possess self-renewal capacity, enabling them to undergo multiple rounds of proliferative divisions, similar to cancer stem cells. Moreover, several signaling pathways and cytokines that regulate NB development also play a critical role in tumorigenesis. For instance, the absence of key factors in NB development, such as Brat and Numb, can lead to tumor formation. Objective: This review focuses on the mechanisms of NB development—including delamination, quiescent NB reactivation, asymmetric cell divisions, and termination—which parallel key tumor processes, such as cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem cell quiescence and reactivation, uncontrolled proliferation, and cell elimination. Conclusion: We summarize recent findings on these tumor progression processes. These insights provide valuable clues for understanding tumor progression and offer potential avenues for tumor prevention and treatment.