Opposing functions of white matter in glioblastoma

For almost 90 years, we have recognized that myelinated fiber tracts represent preferred migration and growth zones for glioblastoma (GBM) tumors 1 , yet the biology of the white matter niche remains far less understood than the peri-vascular or hypoxic niches.A recent study, published in Nature by Parrinello and Hill's groups at University College London, titled Axonal Injury is a Targetable Driver of Glioblastoma Progression, addresses the white matter niche with rigorous and innovative investigation.Led by Melanie Clements and colleagues, the work reveals how degenerating white matter accelerates GBM development, particularly during early disease stages 2 .