Abstract

The development of human cancer is a multistep process, involving the cooperation of mutations in signalling, cell-cycle and cell-death pathways, as well as interactions between the tumour and the tumour microenvironment. To dissect the steps of tumorigenesis, simple animal models are needed. This article discusses the use of the genetically amenable, multicellular organism, the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. In particular, recent studies have highlighted the power of D. melanogaster for examining cooperative interactions between tumour suppressors and oncogenes and for generating in vivo models of tumour development and metastasis.

Author affiliations

1. Cell Cycle and Development Group, Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 7 St Andrew's Place, 3002, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Correspondence to: Anthony M. Brumby¹ Email: Tony.Brumby@petermac.org

Correspondence to: Helena E. Richardson¹ Email: Helena.Richardson@petermac.org

Published online 20 July 2005

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