Fruit flies could prevent the growth of brain tumours.
Fruit flies could slow the growth of brain tumours
Experts at the University of Plymouth have been able to identify cells at the earliest stages of growth through the usage of the fruit fly Drosophila as a model.
The work has helped to develop the understanding of glioma tumours such as glioblastoma, which has a poor survival rate and grows quickly in the body.
The tumours can happen at any age and symptoms include severe headaches, vomiting and blurred vision.
Dr. Claudia Barros, who led the study, said: "The research contributes to understanding of how brain tumours could form and has opened up avenues of research to find new potential drug targets towards novel therapies for patients with glioma tumours.
"Using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model, we have been able to identify and examine cells at the very initial stages of brain tumour formation inside the brain.
"These cells have the most striking differences in their metabolic and protein balance landscape compared to normal cells."