Unveiling the Molecular Pathogenesis of MCPH: Insights From Drosophila Model System

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by homologous recessive mutations of the MCPH genes. It manifests as a significant reduction in brain volume and intellectual disability at birth. More than 28 genes with several pathogeneses have been identified so far. These genes have a strong effect on DNA damage repair and apoptosis, neuronal proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and neuronal migration. These pathogenesis pathways result in aberrant cell division and cell maturation, as well as an imbalance of the type of neural cells, and eventually a reduction of brain volume. Hence, researching in a multidisciplinary approach promotes research into the different etiologies of MCPH genes and offers a positive outcome for patients. However, investigating the etiology pathways has been given less focus, and limited studies and model systems have been carried out for this complex disease. Research using simple model organisms to study these pathogenic genes is beneficial. Recently, Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a powerful and promising model organism for efficient in vivo experiments and for deciphering complex multicellular activities to unravel the function of the MCPH genes. Interestingly, about 80% of the genes that cause genetic diseases in humans have functional counterparts in D. melanogaster . Additionally, genetic similarity, simple genetics, rapid reproduction, high-throughput screening, and ease of generating transgenics make it unique. These features have prompted researchers to widely use it in research, contributing significantly to our understanding of human diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, MCPH, and muscular dystrophy. In this review, I focus on the various pathways of MCPH genes pathogenesis and the advantage of leveraging the D. melanogaster model to dissect the etiology of MCPH genes. [Correction added on 9 August 2025, after first online publication: In the Abstract section, last sentence, pronoun ‘we’ has been changed to ‘I’.]