Abstract BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of brain cancer, characterized by cellular heterogeneity, poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. One of the major challenges in treating GBM is its diffuse nature, which complicates surgical resection and contributes to high recurrence rates. Our research focuses on the role of biomolecular condensates - membraneless compartments formed by phase separation - in driving oncogenic processes. These condensates organize cellular biochemical processes by compartmentalizing proteins and nucleic acids, thereby regulating gene expression, signal transduction, and metabolism. We are particularly interested in the formation of aberrant condensates in glioblastoma cells and their contribution to malignant transformation, metabolic reprogramming and treatment resistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using patient-derived GBM models, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, super-resolution microscopy, and proteomic analyses, we are investigating the structural and functional properties of these condensates. RESULTS Our goal is to determine how their dysregulation facilitates cancer progression and to identify novel vulnerabilities that could be therapeutically targeted. CONCLUSION This research advances our understanding of the pathophysiological roles of biomolecular condensates in cancer and opens new avenues for innovative treatment strategies in GBM.
Sztacho et al. (2025) studied this question.