The Bergmann Lab has developed genetic screening methods in Drosophila which were initially designed to identify genes that confer resistance of cancer cells to cell death, a hallmark of cancer. Interestingly, these screens also led to the identification of genes involved in tumor growth and tumor suppression suggesting that genes involved in cell death are intimately linked to cell proliferation and tumor suppression. Characterizing and understanding the function of these genes may ultimately lead to the identification of new drug targets for treatment of cancer.