Deciphering the role of transcription factors in glioblastoma cancer stem cells

Kaishu Li, Haichao Li, Aonan He, Gengqiang Zhang, Yuyao Jin, Junbin Cai, Chenle Ye, Ling Qi, Yawei Liu

In the dark depths of the human brain, glioblastoma (GBM) hides like a voracious predator fish, evading capture and confounding researchers. Within this cellular sea, transcription factors (TFs) act as vital aquatic plants and nutrients, nourishing cancer stem cells (CSCs)—the resilient fry ensuring the tumor’s propagation. TFs create an environment where CSCs thrive, enabling their self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. Scientists, akin to marine biologists, meticulously examine this complex underwater habitat, revealing how the balance of molecular nutrients influences GBM’s growth and spread. By mapping this cellular seascape, researchers chart a course towards new therapeutic strategies, aiming to disrupt the tumor’s feeding grounds. This exploration into GBM’s aquatic world deepens our understanding of brain tumor biology and illuminates potential pathways to more effective treatments, offering hope in the vast ocean of cancer research.

This cover is designed by Yinxi Zhou and Jianfeng Jin from Hainan Medical University.