Spatial omics shed light on the tumour organisation of glioblastoma
James R. Whittle, Jurgen Kriel, Oluwaseun E. Fatunla, Tianyao Lu, Joel J D Moffet, Montana Spiteri, Sarah A. Best, Saskia Freytag
Abstract
The glioblastoma tumour microenvironment is characterised by immense heterogeneity, with malignant and non-malignant cells that interact in a complex ecosystem. Emerging evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment is key in facilitating rapid proliferation, invasion, migration and cancer cell survival, crucial for treatment resistance. Spatial omics technologies have enabled the molecular characterisation of regions or individual cells within their spatial context, providing previously unattainable insights into the complex organisation of the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment. Understanding this organisation is crucial for the development of new therapeutics and novel diagnostic tools that guide patient care. This review explores spatial omics technologies and how they have contributed to the development of a model outlining the architecture of the glioblastoma tumour microenvironment. • Rapidly evolving spatial omics has revolutionised our understanding of the GBM TME. • GBM TME consists of 4 niches: tumour core, leading edge, hypoxia and perivascular niche. • Distinct cell types and their interactions characterise each niche. • Metabolic activity distinguishes tumour from normal tissue, and can identify different niches. • Spatial omics are set to enhance GBM diagnosis and treatment.