A holistic view of the malignant organism we call glioblastoma. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242083/)

These scientists wanted to understand how tumors, which are abnormal growths in our body, are organized. They studied a specific type of tumor called glioblastoma, which affects the brain.

To do this, the scientists used special techniques to create a detailed map of the tumor. They looked at the genes, which are like instructions in our body, and how they are organized in three dimensions. They also looked at the chemical markers on the genes, called epigenomes, which can control how genes work.

By studying the genes and epigenomes, the scientists were able to create a map that showed how different parts of the tumor are connected and how they grow. They found that the tumor follows certain patterns, almost like a map, and that these patterns are similar to how our brain develops when we are growing up.

This study is important because it helps us understand how tumors grow and spread. By knowing more about how tumors are organized, scientists can develop better treatments to fight against them and help people who have glioblastoma.

Baig S., Winkler F. A holistic view of the malignant organism we call glioblastoma. Cell. 2024 Jan 18;187(2):271-273. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.021.