Breast cancer patients from the Midwest region of the United States have reduced levels of short-chain fatty acid-producing gut bacteria Original paper
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
-
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
This study investigated the gut microbiome composition in breast cancer (BC) patients from the Midwest region of the United States, focusing on its taxonomic composition and functional profiling. Using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, the study examined the bacterial microbiome, specifically targeting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. It aimed to identify microbial dysbiosis and its potential role in breast cancer pathobiology, emphasizing regional differences in microbiome signatures.
Who was studied?
The study included 22 breast cancer patients and 19 healthy controls, all recruited from the University of Iowa. Participants were matched by race, body mass index (BMI), and sex. Inclusion criteria required BC patients to have invasive breast cancer, with exclusion criteria such as antibiotic use during sample collection. Healthy controls were similarly screened for factors that might impact gut microbiota, like recent antibiotic or laxative use.
What were the most important findings?
The study identified significant gut microbiome differences between breast cancer patients and healthy controls, particularly in alpha and beta diversity measures. Breast cancer (BC) patients showed evidence of gut dysbiosis, including a decrease in beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria and an enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa. These alterations suggest a microbiome imbalance that may contribute to inflammation and disease progression. Furthermore, the study highlighted functional disruptions in microbiome pathways, with reduced production of SCFAs such as propionate and acetate, which are essential for maintaining gut health and modulating immune responses. These findings underscore the importance of microbiome-targeted interventions to restore microbial balance and support breast cancer treatment.
| Finding | Breast Cancer Patients (BC) | Healthy Controls (HC) | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCFA-Producing Bacteria | Reduced Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Alistipes, Parabacteroides merdae, Lachnospira pectinoschiza | Higher levels | SCFA reduction contributes to inflammation and impaired gut motility. |
| Pro-Inflammatory Bacteria | Enriched Eggerthella lenta, Blautia species | Reduced levels | Linked to inflammation and cancer progression. |
| Functional Pathways | Decreased SCFA pathways (propionate, acetate) | Intact pathways | Dysbiosis may exacerbate systemic inflammation and disrupt gut homeostasis. |
| Beta Diversity Clustering | Significant clustering distinct from HC | No significant clustering | Indicates an altered microbiome composition in BC. |
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings underscore the role of gut microbial dysbiosis in breast cancer, with SCFA-producing bacteria depletion linked to inflammation and cancer pathogenesis. This highlights potential avenues for microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics or dietary interventions, aimed at restoring SCFA production and microbial balance. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for region-specific microbiome research to tailor interventions effectively.