Short-term activation of the Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in apoptosis-deficient cells of Drosophila induces tumorigenesis

Abstract

Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is necessary for development in tumours, indicating it may play tumour-promoting roles; however, the experimental analysis of the role of JNK in proliferation is hindered by its pro-apoptotic activity. Here the authors carry out experiments in Drosophila with genetic backgrounds that make cells refractory to apoptosis to definitely prove the JNK pathway contribution to tumorigenesis.