Researchers at Åbo Akademi University discover a new mechanism driving breast cancer progression

A research group led by Professor Cecilia Sahlgren at Åbo Akademi University (Finland) and the InFLAMES Research Flagship has identified a new mechanism directing the adverse remodeling of tumor tissue during breast cancer progression. This discovery could offer new treatment opportunities against aggressive forms of breast cancer which currently lack targeted therapy options.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Localized, early-stage breast cancer has a good prognosis, but once cancer spreads to distant organs and forms metastasis, patient survival rate drops dramatically. Breast cancer subtype and the hormone receptor status of the cancer cells are major factors affecting patient survival, while the ability of cancer cells to communicate with other cells in the tumor and then in cooperation shape the surrounding tissue to their advantage is increasingly recognized as a key factor in regulating cancer metastasis and drug resistance.

One of the proteins mediating cell–cell communication called Jagged1 has been shown in previous studies to be highly expressed in aggressive, hormone receptor negative breast cancer. However, the exact functions of Jagged1 and whether it participates in breast cancer progression remained unknown.

“In our new study, we discover that Jagged1 increases breast tumor growth and metastasis and worsens survival prognosis among patients with aggressive breast cancer” says doctoral researcher Marjaana Parikainen from the Biosciences and Drug Research program at Åbo Akademi University.

Using various cancer model systems and utilizing data from breast cancer patients, the researchers discovered a previously unknown cell communication mechanism between breast cancer cells and fibroblasts, mediated by Jagged1. Fibroblasts are a cell type responsible for producing and controlling the extracellular matrix, a structural network of molecules providing support and signaling cues for cells in tissues.

“When the cancer cells expressed Jagged1 on their cell surface, it activated the nearby fibroblasts to produce more extracellular matrix, such as collagen. In addition, these Jagged1-activated fibroblasts modify the structure of the surrounding extracellular matrix, creating highly aligned matrix fibers along which the cancer cells can move as they metastasize” describes Parikainen.

The study delves into the mechanisms by which Jagged1 regulates tumor tissue remodeling. The researchers discover that high expression of Jagged1 leads to activation of another cell–cell signaling system called the transforming growth factor beta pathway (TGFβ). TGFβ is previously known to promote tumor progression in late-stage breast cancer and is a master regulator of extracellular matrix remodeling, driving fibrosis, increased tumor stiffness, and metastasis.

“High Jagged1 promoted TGFβ activity, which in turn increased collagen deposition and matrix linearization. In addition, we showed that cancer cells start expressing even more Jagged1 in stiffer matrix environments. Previous studies have shown that TGFβ also drives Jagged1 expression. This all points to a vicious cycle that keeps promoting itself and further tumor progression” Parikainen explains.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Professor Jyrki Heino’s research group at the University of Turku, Finland.

The research was funded by the Research Council of Finland, Cancer Foundation Finland, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland, the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, the Ida Montin Foundation, and the K. Albin Johansson Foundation.

The research article has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Science Advances 18.3.2026. 

Further information:

Marjaana Parikainen
Doctoral researcher, Biosciences and Drug Research program, Åbo Akademi University, Finland
InFLAMES Research Flagship
Telephone: +358 44 042 2332
E-mail: marjaana.parikainen@abo.fi

Cecilia Sahlgren
Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Finland
Turku Bioscience Centre
InFLAMES Research Flagship
Telephone: +358 50 300 9680
E-mail: cecilia.sahlgren@abo.fi
Cell Fate Lab: https://cellfatelab.squarespace.com/

The InFLAMES Research Flagship is a joint initiative of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University (Finland). The goal of the Flagship is to integrate immunological and immunology-related research activities to develop and exploit new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for personalised medicine. InFLAMES is part of Research Council of Finland´s Flagship Programme.

END