Recent advancements in molecular techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of neuropathological conditions. The TERA-Seq method allows for true end-to-end sequencing of native RNA molecules, revealing that full-length mRNAs in human cells exhibit notable variability in poly(A) tail lengths at the single-molecule level. This study highlights the cotranslational decay of mRNAs, primarily from their 5' ends, while retaining poly(A) tails, suggesting a complex regulation of RNA stability and processing (ref: Ibrahim doi.org/10.1093/nar/). In the context of Alzheimer's disease, the amyloid-β (Aβ) pathway has been identified as a central player in the disease's pathophysiology. A systematic review of the literature indicates that Aβ dyshomeostasis is crucial for neurodegeneration and synaptic failure, making it a promising target for therapeutic interventions (ref: Hampel doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01249-0/). Furthermore, the molecular characterization of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) has revealed its genetic profile, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and differentiation from uveitis, given the challenges posed by its rarity (ref: Bonzheim doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004212/). Additionally, the distinction between meningeal solitary fibrous tumors and meningiomas has been established through RNA sequencing, emphasizing the need for precise molecular diagnostics in neuro-oncology (ref: Apra doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03830-7/). Lastly, a study on glioma subtypes demonstrated that high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can effectively stratify molecular glioma grades, offering a non-invasive diagnostic tool that could streamline patient management (ref: Nuessle doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163451/).

The integration of genomic data into clinical practice is exemplified by the Pediatric Precision Oncology INFORM Registry, which has provided valuable insights into the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients with high-risk cancers. This registry has followed 519 patients, revealing that a structured approach to evaluating molecular alterations can significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes, with a mean turnaround time for reports of 25.4 days (ref: van Tilburg doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-21-0094/). In the realm of neuroepithelial tumors, the identification of PATZ1 fusions has led to the recognition of a novel tumor entity characterized by a broad histological spectrum, underscoring the importance of molecular profiling in tumor classification (ref: Alhalabi doi.org/10.1007/s00401-021-02354-8/). Similarly, recurrent fusions in PLAGL1 have been linked to a distinct subset of pediatric-type supratentorial neuroepithelial tumors, further highlighting the heterogeneity of CNS tumors and the necessity for advanced genomic techniques in their classification (ref: Sievers doi.org/10.1007/s00401-021-02356-6/). The recent reclassification of ependymomas based on ZFTA fusions has also emphasized the evolving landscape of CNS tumor diagnostics, with significant implications for treatment strategies (ref: Tauziède-Espariat doi.org/10.1186/s40478-021-01238-y/). Furthermore, the clinical and molecular analysis of smoothened inhibitors in Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma has provided critical insights into the long-term effects of these therapies, which were previously underexplored in pediatric populations (ref: Pereira doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/).

Neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease, continue to be a focal point of research, with the amyloid-β pathway remaining central to understanding its pathophysiology. The established biochemical alterations within the Aβ cycle are not only hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease but also potential targets for disease-modifying therapies, as highlighted in a comprehensive review of current literature (ref: Hampel doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01249-0/). In adult medulloblastoma, subgroup-specific outcomes have been identified, particularly in Group 4 tumors where chromosome 8 loss correlates with improved survival, contrasting with findings in pediatric cases where different chromosomal alterations are observed (ref: Coltin doi.org/10.1007/s00401-021-02358-4/). Additionally, longitudinal studies in primary progressive aphasia patients have demonstrated that cognitive decline correlates with pathological burden, emphasizing the need for early intervention strategies in neurodegenerative conditions (ref: Cousins doi.org/10.1002/trc2.12188/). The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the central nervous system has also emerged as a critical area of investigation, with studies revealing that neurological symptoms may not directly correlate with brain invasion by the virus, suggesting alternative mechanisms of CNS damage (ref: Cosentino doi.org/10.1111/ene.15045/).

The role of inflammation in neurological disorders has gained significant attention, particularly in the context of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A systematic review and meta-analysis have quantified molecular markers of inflammation in human brain tissue post-ICH, highlighting the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate secondary injury (ref: Loan doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2021-327098/). In multiple sclerosis, early compartmentalized intrathecal inflammation has been linked to an imbalance in TNF signaling, suggesting that monitoring TNF levels could provide insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy (ref: Magliozzi doi.org/10.3390/cells10071712/). The molecular characterization of meningeal solitary fibrous tumors has also revealed distinct inflammatory profiles, further underscoring the importance of understanding immune responses in tumor biology (ref: Apra doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03830-7/). Additionally, the application of high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging in glioma subtypes has demonstrated its utility in stratifying molecular grades, potentially guiding therapeutic decisions based on inflammatory responses (ref: Nuessle doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163451/).

Clinical outcomes in neuro-oncology are increasingly informed by molecular profiling, as evidenced by the Pediatric Precision Oncology INFORM Registry, which has tracked the outcomes of 519 pediatric patients with high-risk cancers. The registry's structured approach to evaluating molecular alterations has shown significant benefits in treatment planning, with a mean report turnaround time of 25.4 days (ref: van Tilburg doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-21-0094/). In adult medulloblastoma, subgroup-specific outcomes have been identified, particularly for Group 4 tumors where chromosome 8 loss is associated with improved survival, contrasting with findings in pediatric cohorts (ref: Coltin doi.org/10.1007/s00401-021-02358-4/). High-dose radiotherapy has been shown to improve overall and progression-free survival in patients with low-grade gliomas harboring non-methylated O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, indicating the importance of tailoring treatment strategies based on molecular characteristics (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1186/s13014-021-01878-3/). Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of radiotherapy in multifocal high-grade gliomas have been assessed, providing critical insights into management strategies for this challenging condition (ref: Fleischmann doi.org/10.1186/s13014-021-01886-3/). The long-term follow-up of patients treated with smoothened inhibitors for recurrent Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma has also highlighted the need for careful consideration of treatment effects in pediatric populations (ref: Pereira doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/).

Innovative neuroimaging techniques are revolutionizing the diagnostic landscape in neurology and oncology. The TERA-Seq method for sequencing native RNA molecules has shown potential for transforming RNA biology research and clinical diagnostics, revealing significant insights into mRNA processing and decay mechanisms (ref: Ibrahim doi.org/10.1093/nar/). Additionally, Raman spectroscopy has been applied to distinguish histologically distinct areas in glioblastoma, demonstrating its utility in enhancing diagnostic accuracy beyond traditional microscopic methods (ref: Klamminger doi.org/10.1093/noajnl/). The use of high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging has been validated for stratifying molecular glioma subtypes, offering a non-invasive approach to improve diagnostic precision and patient management (ref: Nuessle doi.org/10.3390/jcm10163451/). Moreover, the assessment of multifocal high-grade gliomas has provided critical data on survival outcomes, reinforcing the importance of tailored imaging strategies in treatment planning (ref: Fleischmann doi.org/10.1186/s13014-021-01886-3/). These advancements underscore the need for continued integration of novel imaging techniques into clinical practice to enhance diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the central nervous system has emerged as a critical area of research, with studies revealing that the virus can affect the brain, leading to various neurological symptoms. A systematic review has highlighted the neuropathological features associated with COVID-19, indicating that while the virus primarily exhibits pulmonary tropism, its neurotropism warrants further investigation (ref: Maiese doi.org/10.1111/bpa.13013/). Additionally, a critical systematic review of neuropathological findings in COVID-19 patients suggests that there is no direct brain invasion by SARS-CoV-2, challenging previous assumptions about the mechanisms of neurological damage associated with the virus (ref: Cosentino doi.org/10.1111/ene.15045/). The molecular characterization of meningeal solitary fibrous tumors has also been linked to COVID-19 research, as understanding the immune response in these tumors can provide insights into the broader implications of viral infections on neurological health (ref: Apra doi.org/10.1007/s11060-021-03830-7/). These findings underscore the need for ongoing research into the neurological consequences of COVID-19 and the potential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.