The case of the scribble polarity module in asymmetric neuroblast division in development and tumorigenesis

This article belongs to the Special Issue Basic and Translational Models of Cooperative Oncogenesis.The Scribble polarity module is composed by Scribble (Scrib), Discs large 1 (Dlg1) and Lethal (2) giant larvae (L(2)gl), a group of highly conserved neoplastic tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) from flies to humans. Even though the Scribble module has been profusely studied in epithelial cell polarity, the number of tissues and processes in which it is involved is increasingly growing. Here we discuss the role of the Scribble module in the asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs), as well as the underlying mechanisms by which those TSGs act in this process. Finally, we also describe what we know about the consequences of mutating these genes in impairing the process of asymmetric NB division and promoting tumor-like overgrowth.This work was supported by the Spanish grant from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities PGC2018-097093-B-100, and by FEDER (European Regional Development Fund). The “Instituto de Neurociencias” in Alicante is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence.Peer reviewe