Sara Morais da Silva

The similarities between Drosophila and the human cell cycle machinery, cellular processes and regulatory pathways make Drosophila an excellent model in which to study the link between the cell cycle and tumorigenesis, given the powerful genetic strategies that can be employed with this organism. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins ensure a correct chromosomal distribution between cells during mitosis. In Drosophila, an impaired SAC together with cell death prevention results in hyperproliferation and tumour growth. As the metabolic response of the cells adapts to proliferation requirements it is clear that there must be a cross talk between cell cycle and metabolic control. Therefore Drosophila genetics will be used to uncover the links between cell cycle, in particular the SAC proteins and cellular metabolism by looking for phenotype alterations in tumour growth.

Main source of funding: Wellcome Trust