SickKids and McMaster Uncover Hidden Brain Cells Fueling Glioblastoma: Potential Drug Breakthrough

Canadian Universities Lead Breakthrough in Glioblastoma Research

Researchers from McMaster University and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), affiliated with the University of Toronto, have made a pivotal discovery in the fight against glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer.8270 Published on January 21, 2026, in the prestigious journal Neuron, their study reveals how previously overlooked brain cells actively fuel tumor growth, opening the door to repurposing an existing drug for treatment.81

This research publication underscores the vital role of Canadian higher education institutions in advancing cancer research. McMaster's Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research and SickKids' Genetics & Genome Biology program exemplify how university-led collaborations drive innovation in biomedical sciences. For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in fields like oncology at institutions across Canada—check out research jobs or postdoc positions to contribute to such transformative work.

Understanding Glioblastoma: The Deadliest Brain Cancer

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV astrocytoma, characterized by rapid growth, infiltration into surrounding brain tissue, and resistance to therapy. In Canada, its incidence stands at approximately 4 cases per 100,000 people annually, accounting for about half of all malignant primary brain tumors.61 With around 3,300 new diagnoses of brain and spinal cord cancers each year, GBM poses a significant public health challenge.16

Standard treatment involves maximal safe surgical resection, followed by radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy. Yet, median survival remains dismal at 12-15 months, with only 5-6% of patients surviving five years.6967 Recurrence is inevitable due to glioma stem cells (GSCs), which possess self-renewal capacity and drive tumor propagation. This harsh reality highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies emerging from university research labs.

The Research Powerhouses: McMaster University and SickKids

At the helm is Dr. Sheila Singh, Professor of Surgery at McMaster University and Canada Research Chair in Human Cancer Stem Cell Biology. As Director of McMaster's Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, she pioneers studies on cancer stem cells. Co-leading is Dr. Jason Moffat, Senior Scientist and Head of SickKids' Genetics & Genome Biology program, holding the GlaxoSmithKline Chair.82

Co-first authors Kui Zhai from the Singh Lab and Nick Mikolajewicz from the Moffat Lab conducted meticulous experiments. This interdisciplinary team leveraged McMaster's advanced facilities and SickKids' pediatric expertise, though GBM affects adults primarily. Such collaborations between Hamilton and Toronto exemplify Canada's higher education ecosystem fostering groundbreaking science. Professionals in neurosurgery or genomics can find career paths via faculty jobs or clinical research jobs.

Unmasking the Hidden Culprits: Reactive Oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are glial cells that produce myelin, insulating axons for efficient nerve signal transmission. The study identifies 'reactive' OLs near GBM tumors that abandon their supportive role to become pro-tumorigenic. These cells proliferate and secrete cytokines, notably C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), nurturing GSCs.8172

Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, researchers mapped this cellular interplay, revealing OLs as active ecosystem participants rather than bystanders. Dr. Singh notes, “Glioblastoma isn’t just a mass of cancer cells, it’s an ecosystem.”82

The CCL5/CCR5 Signaling Axis: Step-by-Step Breakdown

The mechanism unfolds in precise steps:

• GBM induces nearby OLs to enter a reactive state, upregulating CCL5 production.
• CCL5 binds CCR5 receptors on GSCs.
• This activates pathways maintaining GSC stemness, proliferation, and therapy resistance.
• Result: Enhanced tumor growth and recurrence post-treatment.

CRISPR screens and genetic knockdowns confirmed CCR5's essentiality. Blocking it dismantled GSC maintenance, shrinking tumors in patient-derived xenografts and organoids.76 This detailed pathway elucidation stems from sophisticated university labs, inspiring academic career advice for budding scientists.

Maraviroc: A Repurposed HIV Drug as GBM Game-Changer

Maraviroc, an FDA-approved CCR5 antagonist for HIV, emerges as the star candidate. In preclinical models, it impaired GSC stemness, reduced tumor burden, and extended survival—without toxicity.81 As an off-the-shelf drug, it bypasses lengthy development, potentially accelerating clinical trials.

Dr. Moffat states, “This finding opens a promising path to explore whether blocking this pathway can speed progress toward new treatment options.”70 Repurposing accelerates translation from bench to bedside, a hallmark of efficient higher ed research.

Learn more via the SickKids press release or McMaster announcement.

Preclinical Evidence: Lab Models Validate the Target

Patient-derived GBM models, including orthotopic xenografts, showed maraviroc synergizing with standard therapies. Tumor volumes dropped significantly, with prolonged progression-free survival. Spatial analyses confirmed OL-GBM proximity and CCL5 expression correlation with poor outcomes.

This builds on the team's 2024 Nature Medicine paper identifying developmental pathways hijacked by GBM invasion.81 Rigorous validation positions this for human trials, highlighting Canada's research prowess.

Impacts on Canadian Patients and Healthcare

For Canada's 1,000+ annual GBM cases, this offers hope amid bleak stats. Rural disparities exacerbate access, with early diagnosis key.11 University hospitals like Hamilton Health Sciences (McMaster) and SickKids drive clinical integration.

Funding and Ecosystem Supporting Canadian Brain Cancer Research

Funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada's William Donald Nash Fellowship, this work reflects robust support.81 Brain Canada and Cancer Research Society bolster translational efforts.46 Higher ed funding fuels such discoveries, creating jobs in Canadian academic positions.

Future Outlook: From Lab to Clinical Trials

Next steps include phase I/II trials testing maraviroc combos. Biomarker development for CCR5-high patients could personalize therapy. Ongoing McMaster-SickKids synergy promises more ecosystem-targeting strategies.

The paper is accessible at Neuron DOI.81

Careers in Oncology Research: Join the Fight

This discovery spotlights demand for experts in stem cell biology and genomics. Canadian universities offer higher ed jobs, from lecturer roles to professor positions. Explore higher ed career advice or free resume templates to advance in this vital field.

Conclusion: Hope from Canadian Innovation

The SickKids-McMaster glioblastoma hidden cells discovery redefines brain cancer's ecosystem, pinpointing actionable targets. As research evolves, it promises better outcomes. Stay informed and engage via Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, and post your opportunities at recruitment.