Chtarbanova Lab examines link between brain tumor and neurodegeneration in the model organism Drosophila

In this collaborative work, Dr. Chtarbanova and colleagues discover a novel mutation in the gene brat, that leads to the formation of brain tumors and progressive, age-dependent neurodegeneration. Although cancer and neurodegeneration appear as two very different diseases, they share the disruption of common cellular pathways. This novel fly mutant could serve as an excellent model to further dissect the molecular mechanisms that underlie both conditions, opening novel avenues for the treatment of both cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
Article link: http://www.g3journal.org/content/8/10/3331