Drosophila Neural Development

Abstract The human brain is by far the most complex organ system in terms of cell type variety and interaction between cells. Studies from comparatively simple animal models allow us to genetically dissect the development and function of the nervous system. Advanced molecular genetic tools make the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster a unique and powerful model system to study how during development a complex nervous system develops, how neurons and glia cells are generated and correctly assembled. Many key processes such as proliferation of neural stem cells, neurogenesis, orchestration of spatial and temporal identity, axon guidance and establishment of connectivity have been investigated in fruit flies. Comparative analysis shows that developmental processes as well as genetic pathways acting to build a complex brain are shared between mammals and insects. Key Concepts: Along the anteriorposterior and dorsoventral axes transcription factors pattern the nervous system. Neural stem cells divide asymmetrically to self‐renew and generate committed neural precursors. Different types of neural stem cells exist to establish different domains of the central nervous system. Even though the brains of insects and mammals appear quite distinct the overall mode of development are similar.