De-coding the complex role of microbial metabolites in cancer Original paper
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
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Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
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.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review explores the role of microbial metabolites in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The study investigates how microbial products influence cellular mechanisms, including DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and epithelial barrier function, which contribute to cancer. It also discusses how microbial metabolites modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and impact the response to cancer therapies, particularly chemotherapy and immunotherapy. By examining bacterial-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), the review highlights their dual roles as both promoters and inhibitors of cancer.
Who was studied?
The review focuses on studies that analyze various cancer types, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), liver cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, as they are strongly influenced by microbial metabolites. It discusses the microbiomes of primary tumors and metastatic tissues, providing insights into the microbial communities present in different tumor regions. Specific bacteria and their associated metabolites, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis, were studied for their role in tumor progression and metastasis. The review also includes data on the metabolic changes that occur in cancer cells and how microbial metabolites interact with these changes.
Most important findings
The review identifies several key findings regarding the role of microbial metabolites in cancer. It emphasizes how microbial metabolites contribute to DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and epithelial barrier disruption, leading to cancer initiation. For instance, certain bacterial species produce genotoxic metabolites, such as colibactin, which induce DNA damage and mutations, contributing to tumorigenesis. Additionally, microbial metabolites like butyrate and SCFAs are shown to regulate the immune response, reducing inflammation and suppressing tumor progression. However, other metabolites like deoxycholic acid (DCA) promote cancer progression by increasing DNA damage and destabilizing the epithelial barrier. The review also highlights how metabolites influence the TME by modulating immune cell activity and promoting or inhibiting cancer metastasis. Furthermore, microbial metabolites such as succinate and H2S can influence cell metabolism, further driving cancer development and therapeutic resistance.
Key implications
The review’s findings suggest that microbial metabolites are promising therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment. Targeting specific microbial metabolites, either through dietary interventions or pharmacological agents, could help modulate the TME and improve responses to cancer therapy. The review suggests that the dual nature of microbial metabolites, acting both as tumor promoters and suppressors, requires careful consideration when developing treatments aimed at manipulating the microbiome. Furthermore, understanding the metabolic profiles of tumors and their associated microbiota could aid in personalized cancer therapies. The review also stresses the need for further research into how microbial metabolites influence cancer therapy resistance, as this could reveal new strategies to overcome treatment failures.