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Advanced Research in Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma
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Advanced Research in Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 3033

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Maria G. Bottone

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Cellular Biology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology and Biotecnology, University of Pavia, 9-27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: cell death; brain tumors; cisplatin; new platinum compounds; microscopy; immunohistochemistry; cell cultures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Glioblastoma and neuroblastoma represent significant challenges in oncology, given their aggressive nature and limited treatment strategies. Advances in molecular research have paved the way for neuropharmaceutical innovations aimed at addressing the underlying mechanisms of these complex tumors.

Recent breakthroughs in glioblastoma and neuroblastoma research highlight the importance of molecular approaches, including drug design, computational modeling, and high-throughput screening techniques. These advancements are essential for identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing effective treatments. Additionally, overcoming the blood–brain barrier to ensure precise drug delivery to tumor sites and identifying biomarkers to monitor therapeutic efficacy are critical areas of investigation.

Translational research, which bridges molecular discoveries and clinical applications, holds promise for improving outcomes in these cancers. This Special Issue welcomes contributions that delve into various aspects of neuropharmaceutical research related to glioblastoma and neuroblastoma treatments, including original studies, comprehensive reviews, and perspective articles. By fostering collaboration and sharing insights, we aim to drive progress in therapeutic strategies for these complex diseases.

This Special Issue was co-led by the journal’s Topical Advisory Panel (TAP) member Dr. Fabrizio De Luca and the Special Issue Assistant Dr. Ludovica Gaiaschi, who contributed to and supported the collaboration and promotion process and the operation and development of this Special Issue.

Dr. Maria G. Bottone
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • glioblastoma
  • neuroblastoma
  • neuropharmaceuticals
  • drug design
  • blood–brain barrier
  • molecular therapeutics
  • brain-tumor biomarkers

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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25 pages, 3649 KB  
Article
Identification of Tumor- and Immunosuppression-Driven Glioblastoma Subtypes Characterized by Clinical Prognosis and Therapeutic Targets
by Pei Zhang, Dan Liu, Xiaoyu Liu, Shuai Fan, Yuxin Chen, Tonghui Yu and Lei Dong
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010103 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 480
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain cancer (with a median survival time of 14.5 months), characterized by heterogeneity. Identifying prognostic molecular subtypes could provide a deeper exposition of GBM biology with potential therapeutic implications. In this study, we classified GBM [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain cancer (with a median survival time of 14.5 months), characterized by heterogeneity. Identifying prognostic molecular subtypes could provide a deeper exposition of GBM biology with potential therapeutic implications. In this study, we classified GBM into two prognostic subtypes, C1-GBM (n = 57; OS: 313 days) and C2-GBM (n = 109; OS: 452 days), using pathway-based signatures derived from RNA-seq data. Unsupervised consensus clustering revealed that only binary classification (cluster number, CN = 2; mean cluster consensus score = 0.84) demonstrated statistically prognostic differences. We characterized C1 and C2 based on oncogenic pathway and immune signatures. Specifically, C1-GBM was categorized as an immune-infiltrated “hot” tumor, with high infiltration of immune cells, particularly macrophages and CD4+ T cells, while C2-GBM as an “inherent driving” subtype, showing elevated activity in G2/M checkpoint genes. To predict the C1 or C2 classification and explore therapeutic interventions, we developed a neural network model. By using Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA), we obtained the gene co-expression module based on both gene expression pattern and distribution among patients in TCGA dataset (n = 166) and identified nine hub genes as potentially prognostic biomarkers for the neural network. The model showed strong accuracy in predicting C1/C2 classification and prognosis, validated by the external CGGA-GBM dataset (n = 85). Based on the classification of the BP neural network model, we constructed a Cox nomogram prognostic prediction model for the TCGA-GBM dataset. We predicted potential therapeutic small molecular drugs by targeting subtype-specific oncogenic pathways and validated drug sensitivity (C1-GBM: Methotrexate and Cisplatin; C2-GBM: Cytarabine) by assessing IC50 values against GBM cell lines (divided into C1/C2 subtypes based on the nine hub genes) from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database. This study introduces a pathway-based prognostic molecular classification of GBM with “hot” (C1-GBM) and “inherent driving” (C2-GBM) tumor subtypes, providing a prediction model based on hub biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma)
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15 pages, 21172 KB  
Article
Antineoplastic Activity of Methyl rosmarinate in Glioblastoma Cells
by Maria Vasiliki Benekou, Panagiota Tzitiridou, Theodora Papagrigoriou, Vasiliki Galani, Chrissa Sioka, Athanassios P. Kyritsis, Diamanto Lazari and George A. Alexiou
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030180 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1976
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GMB) is a remarkably aggressive brain malignancy characterized by high mortality rates, despite continuous advances in therapeutic approaches. Compounds derived from plants are being studied for their potent medicinal properties in the quest for more efficient therapies. This study investigated the anti-glioma [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma (GMB) is a remarkably aggressive brain malignancy characterized by high mortality rates, despite continuous advances in therapeutic approaches. Compounds derived from plants are being studied for their potent medicinal properties in the quest for more efficient therapies. This study investigated the anti-glioma properties of Methyl rosmarinate, a hydroxycinnamic acid isolated from Thymus thracicus Velen, which has previously demonstrated anti-cancer activity in various cell lines. Human glioblastoma cell lines U87 and T98 were treated with Methyl rosmarinate to assess its effect on cell viability, cell cycle distribution and migratory capacity using Trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. The combinatorial effects of Methyl rosmarinate and temozolomide were also analyzed with CompoSyn software. According to the outcomes, Methyl rosmarinate significantly reduced cell viability, induced cell death by interfering in cell cycle checkpoints, and inhibited migration in both GMB cell lines. Notably, in U87 cells, the compound showed a synergistic impact with temozolomide, whereas in T98 cells, there was an antagonistic relationship. These results suggest that Methyl rosmarinate has potential anti-glioma properties; however, more in vivo research is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma)
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