Glioblastoma cells exhibit remarkable plasticity, enabling them to adapt to environmental cues and transition through various developmental-like states with distinct properties. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Loftus et al. identify ILK as an intrinsic regulator of glioblastoma cell transitions between progenitor-like and mesenchymal/astrocyte-like states.

Critical molecular pathways promote central nervous system (CNS) axon regeneration, but can axons be guided to their correct targets in adulthood? In this issue of Developmental Cell, Delpech et al. show that axonal guidance cues in the CNS can be manipulated to enhance anatomic and functional recovery.

Sequestration of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) transcription factors in cytoplasmic condensates represents a specialized mechanism for modulating cellular auxin responsiveness. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Xuan et al. show that MULTIPLE C2-DOMAIN AND TRANSMEMBRANE REGION PROTEIN (MCTP) proteins stimulate lateral root development by antagonizing ARF7 and ARF19 condensation.

Apical hook opening is crucial for seedling establishment and is regulated by unequal distribution of the hormone auxin through unknown mechanisms. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Walia et al.4 demonstrate that apical hook opening is an output of tissue-wide forces; auxin and cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling interact to restrict elongation to the concave side of the apical hook.

In this issue of Developmental Cell, Zhang et al. report that secreted PTEN reprograms immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages into an inflammatory phenotype by binding to PLXDC2, which enhances antitumor immunity. This Preview discusses diverse functions of PTEN in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and extracellular matrix, highlighting its multifaceted roles in cancer.

Pain is a sensation that signals the presence of inflammation or injury. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Ben-Shaanan et al.1 show that beyond its sensory function, pain can activate hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) by controlling their niche.