Pathophysiology of Central Nervous System Tumors

Dear Colleagues,

The tremendous increase in knowledge of the molecular characteristics of central nervous system (CNS)  tumors over the last decade has created a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of CNS tumors. Epigenetic profiling has allowed for classification and re-classification of CNS tumors with many ‘new’ CNS tumor entities, all with characteristics molecular profiles. This has led us to realize the complexity and heterogeneity among the distinct CNS tumor entities, necessitating in-depth profiling of these tumors in order to provide proper treatment for the distinctive CNS tumors. In order to grasp the diversity and relevance of the cell populations within each CNS tumor, it is crucial to conduct synchronized assessments that connect the genetic makeup and its epigenetic control to the expression of genes and proteins at the individual cell level. Extensive multiomic profiling (e.g. single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics) will have a strong impact on the understanding of tumor-intrinsic neuropathophysiology. Simultaneously, extrinsic microenvironmental factors, including the interplay between neoplastic cells and neurons or cells of the tumor immune micro environment (TIME), will regulate and modulate the pathophysiology of CNS tumors. More in-depth knowledge of this interplay may allow for tailored (immune) therapy.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight recent findings regarding in-depth profiling of either the neoplastic compartment or the extrinsic microenvironmental  compartment of  CNS tumors, both for adult- and pediatric-type CNS tumors. The goal of this issue is to provide a broad scope that includes research papers and reviews related to in-depth (multiomic) profiling of CNS tumors, directly or indirectly affecting pathogenesis and disease.

Dr. Mariëtte E.G. Kranendonk
Guest Editor

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• CNS tumor
• pediatric
• adult
• molecular profiling
• multiomics
• microenvironment