UMBI Research Spotlight No.4/2026

Decoding the Roles of TGFβ Isoforms in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

UMBI is pleased to share a published article from our researchers, led by Dr. Ezanee Azlina Mohamad Hanif, exploring the distinct molecular roles of TGFβ isoforms in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive and treatment-challenging breast cancer subtypes.

Using transcriptomic analysis of 486 TNBC patient samples, the study revealed that TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3 regulate different gene networks, with TGFβ1 demonstrating the largest genomic influence. Despite these differences, all three isoforms converged on critical biological pathways linked to metabolic reprogramming, cellular polarity, and Rap1 signalling — mechanisms strongly associated with tumour progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.

Importantly, the team identified several promising prognostic biomarkers, including CAMK2N1 and COL1A1, which were associated with patient survival outcomes and may contribute toward future precision medicine strategies in TNBC management.

This work highlights UMBI’s continued contribution to advancing molecular oncology, translational medicine, and biomarker discovery research aimed at improving personalised cancer therapeutics and patient outcomes.

We invite colleagues and collaborators to explore the full study:

Mohamad Hanif, E.A., Ahmad Daud, N.N. & Azman, A.A. Deciphering intra-tumoral roles of TGFβ isoforms in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Egypt J Med Hum Genet 27, 31 (2026).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43042-026-00863-3

#UMBI #UKM #UMBIResearchSpotlight #BreastCancerResearch #TNBC #CancerResearch #MolecularOncology #PrecisionMedicine #TranslationalResearch #Biomarkers

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