Role of JAK/STAT signaling in neuroepithelial stem cell maintenance and proliferation in the Drosophila optic lobe

► JAK/STAT activity is graded in the Drosophila optic lobe neuroepithelium. ► Inactivation of JAK signaling causes disintegration of the optic lobe neuroepithelium and depletion of the neuroepithelial stem cells. ► JAK pathway overactivation promotes neuroepithelial overgrowth. ► Notch signaling acts downstream of JAK/STAT to promote neuroepithelial growth and expansion.