Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by its aggressive infiltrative growth, which is influenced by various cellular states and microenvironmental factors. A study by Doroszko et al. identifies distinct cell states associated with specific invasion routes in GBM, revealing that these states are plastic and can be reprogrammed. The research highlights the potential for targeting these invasive cell states as a therapeutic strategy, emphasizing the importance of functional biomarkers in understanding route-specific invasion (ref: Doroszko doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61999-1/). Additionally, Buizza et al. explore the role of pericytes, a type of mural cell, in the tumor microenvironment. Their findings suggest that pericytes not only facilitate vascular co-option but also contribute to the immunosuppressive environment that promotes tumor growth and migration, indicating a complex interplay between tumor cells and perivascular cells in GBM progression (ref: Buizza doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.70095/). Together, these studies underscore the multifaceted mechanisms of invasion in GBM, highlighting the need for targeted therapies that consider both cellular plasticity and the tumor microenvironment.

The pathogenesis of brain cancer is significantly influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors, as demonstrated in a study by Ye et al. This research focuses on the impact of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on brain cancer development, utilizing a comprehensive multi-omics approach. The study employs various analyses, including eQTL, mQTL, haQTL, sQTL, and caQTL, to uncover genetic variants and lncRNAs that are associated with brain cancer, thereby providing insights into the complex molecular mechanisms underlying this disease (ref: Ye doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10360-z/). The findings highlight the intricate relationship between genetic predispositions and epigenetic modifications, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these factors could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain cancer.

Spatial transcriptomics is an emerging field that integrates spatial information with transcriptomic data, offering new insights into tumor biology. Palavalasa et al. address the challenges of interobserver variability in biomarker annotation within solid tumor tissues by developing a novel tool that combines spatial transcriptomics with immunofluorescence imaging. This approach allows for the precise localization of RNA expression in relation to protein markers, such as γH2AX, which indicates DNA damage in glioblastoma tissues (ref: Palavalasa doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070531/). The integration of these methodologies not only enhances the accuracy of biomarker assessment but also facilitates a better understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of tumors, paving the way for more personalized treatment approaches.