Researcher of the Month

April 2026

Exploring the Tumor Microenvironment: Huayi Li's Research Journey Across Continents

An important part of basic cancer research is studying cancer cells in isolation to understand the complex ecosystems that surround them. At the University of Turku, K. Albin Johansson Cancer Researcher Huayi Li is at the forefront of this field, investigating how the tumor microenvironment drives breast cancer progression and metastasis. His scientific journey spans multiple countries and research disciplines, shaping a research profile that bridges molecular signaling, cell biology, and cancer research.

An International Background in Cancer Biology

With a background in cancer biology and training across China, Italy, Germany, and Finland, Huayi’s academic path reflects both intellectual curiosity and scientific versatility. He completed his PhD at the University of Turin, where his doctoral research focused on phosphoinositide signaling and its role in regulating breast cancer metastasis.

Interestingly, his early academic years did not point directly toward cancer research. “At the beginning of my studies, I worked on general molecular biology, including plant biology and botanical drugs, without a clear idea of my future direction,” he recalls. His interest in cancer emerged during his master’s degree, when he studied cellular senescence and epigenetic regulation in cancer. It was during this time that he became fascinated by the remarkable ability of cancer cells to adapt and survive under chemotherapy.

As Huayi’s training progressed, his focus increasingly shifted toward cancer metastasis, the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. In particular, he became interested in how cancer cells respond to cues from their surrounding environment and how these interactions drive disease progression.

Research Focus: The Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis

Today, his main research interest centers on the tumor microenvironment, with a special emphasis on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Rather than viewing tumors as collections of malignant cells alone, Huayi’s work highlights cancer as a disease shaped by constant interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding stroma.

His involvement in this research area deepened after joining Professor Johanna Ivaska’s group, marking a transition from studying intracellular signaling pathways to investigating more complex, multicellular systems. “This move allowed me to explore how stromal crosstalk and matrix properties control cancer cell behavior,” he explains. That shift proved pivotal and now defines the core of his scientific work.

Current Research at the University of Turku

As a postdoctoral researcher in the Ivaska lab, Huayi focuses on ligand–receptor interactions in breast cancer metastasis. His current projects combine a wide range of experimental approaches, including advanced imaging techniques, 2D and 3D cell culture models, and multi-omics analyses conducted in close collaboration with a bioinformatician.

A central aim of his work is to understand how CAF-derived ECM proteins reshape both the physical and biochemical properties of the tumor environment. These changes influence how cancer cells migrate, sense mechanical signals, and activate key signaling pathways—particularly mechanotransduction pathways such as YAP. More recently, his research has also expanded to explore how ECM remodeling affects interactions between cancer cells and immune cells, opening potential new directions for therapeutic intervention.

Highlighted Publication: Understanding How Cancer Cells Move

One of Huayi’s recent publications, stemming from his PhD project and published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, sheds new light on how cancer cells physically move and spread throughout the body. In this study, Huayi and his collaborators identified SH3BP5L as a key regulator of cancer cell migration.

The team discovered that SH3BP5L controls how cancer cells recycle adhesion molecules—specifically active integrin β1—back to their surface, a process essential for cell movement. This recycling pathway involves the trafficking protein RAB11A and motor proteins such as KIF5B, which together help transport adhesion receptors to the right place at the right time.

Crucially, the study showed that high SH3BP5L expression, rather than its closely related paralog SH3BP5, is associated with more aggressive breast tumors and poorer patient outcomes, particularly in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers. When this pathway was blocked in experimental models, cancer cell spread was significantly reduced. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying metastasis and highlight potential targets for future anti-metastatic therapies.

Life Beyond the Laboratory

Outside of research, Huayi values activities that help maintain balance and creativity. Since moving to Finland, he has especially enjoyed spending time in nature—exploring forests, going for long walks, and gradually learning the Finnish traditions of berry and mushroom picking.

He also enjoys cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, as well as spending time with friends and colleagues. At home, Huayi is accompanied by her cat Nera, who has been with him since his time in Italy. “She’s been a great companion and source of support throughout my career,” Huayi says.