Fluorescent probe "Illusia" sheds light on breast cancer cell movement

The spread of cancer, particularly in breast cancer patients, is closely linked to the movement of cells from a primary tumor to secondary sites. This process, known as metastasis, is one of the most critical steps in cancer progression and is especially significant in the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is associated with a poorer prognosis. 

The new tool, called Illusia, is a fluorescent probe that visualizes the complex signaling dynamics inside living cancer cells. These intracellular signals influence essential processes like cell growth and movement, but until now, visualizing them in real time has been a major technical challenge. 

“Signaling networks inside cells control everything from growth to movement, but visualizing this in living cells requires new and refined methods,” explains Dr James Conway. “I set out to see these invisible signals and came up with a new tool, which we call Illusia, to do just that.” 

A central focus of the study is the protein phosphatase Shp2 (also referred to as “Ship two”), which the researchers have identified as a key regulator of metastasis. It appears to influence how cancer cells interact with surrounding tissues, thus affecting their ability to migrate. 

“Cell movement is essential for cancer cells to spread from the primary tumor to secondary sites,” says Professor Johanna Ivaska. “Even though this is widely recognized as the key step in cancer progression, there are currently no cancer therapies that block cell migration or invasion.” 

The tool Illusia is a color-based probe designed to detect real-time cell dynamics. While similar techniques have been used to monitor events in living cells, this is the first time such a tool has been applied to the regulation of cell movement in cancer. 

“These probes often take on names from pop culture references,” says Dr Conway. “The lab came up with the name Illusia, drawing from an old Finnish story about a fairy that comes to earth from the rainbow. This gave our work a colorful twist, something we are all seeking in today’s world, as we strive for better treatments.” 

The team continues to explore the clinical implications of these findings, aiming to develop new therapies that directly target metastatic mechanisms. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Turun yliopisto (University of Turku)