Researchers at the University of Sydney reported that glioblastoma persister cells co‑opt the fertility gene PRDM9 to produce cholesterol that enables survival during chemotherapy. The Nature Communications study showed that inhibiting PRDM9 or restricting cholesterol eradicated persister cells in models and improved survival when combined with chemotherapy in mice. The team also described a brain‑penetrant compound, WJA88, paired with a cholesterol‑lowering agent to target this resistance mechanism. PRDM9’s limited activity in normal tissues suggests a potentially selective therapeutic window, though translational steps will require human safety and target engagement data.