Topic: Genomic Diagnosis of the Brain Tumor Microenvironment

The central challenge in modern neuro-oncology extends beyond the neoplastic itself, residing in the complex ecosystem that surrounds, sustains, and protects it—the tumor microenvironment (TME).​ Gliomas, brain metastases, and other primary central nervous system malignancies create and reside within a uniquely dynamic niche. Comprising a multifaceted consortium of immune cells, vascular cells, glial cells, extracellular matrix, and intricate metabolic networks, the TME engages in continuous molecular crosstalk with neoplastic cells. This bidirectional dialogue governs critical disease hallmarks, including immune evasion, therapeutic resistance, angiogenesis, and invasive growth.

Traditionally, the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors have relied predominantly on histopathology examination and a limited set of molecular markers from tumor parenchyma. While transformative, this paradigm has often relegated the TME to a passive bystander role. The emergence of high-throughput genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, and spatially resolved technologies is fundamentally shifting this perspective.​ We are now equipped to deconvolute the TME at single-cell resolution, map the multi-omic landscapes of its constituents, and decipher the precise signaling circuits that drive tumor progression and treatment failure.

This Special Issue, "Genomic Diagnosis of the Brain Tumor Microenvironment," is dedicated to illuminating this scientific frontier.​ It aims to collate cutting-edge research that employs genomic-scale diagnostics to dissect the brain TME's complexity. We seek contributions that explore how integrated multi-omic analyses are uncovering novel biomarkers, revealing new therapeutic vulnerabilities, and refining prognostic stratification.

We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives on topics including, but not limited to:

● Multi-omics characterization of the brain tumor microenvironment;

● Regulatory mechanisms of tumor-associated immune cells, vascular cellsand glial cells;

● Microenvironmental remodeling associated with tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance;

● Applications of spatial transcriptomics and single-cell technologies in brain tumors;

● Intelligent diagnosis of brain tumors based on multi-omics data integrated with artificial intelligence;

● Novel strategies for microenvironment-targeted therapy and precision medicine.

By transcending a purely cancer cell-centric view, this collection aims to provide a comprehensive genomic lens on the brain TME. Our goal is to accelerate the translation of this knowledge into more precise diagnostic frameworks and effective, microenvironment-targeted therapies, thereby improving outcomes for patients with these devastating diseases.

 Brain tumors, pathology-assisted diagnosis, imaging, omics, clinical information integration, intelligent diagnostic systems