Intratumor microbiota and colorectal cancer: Comprehensive and lucid review 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 article focuses on the role of intratumoral microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC). The study examines how specific microbial communities within tumor tissues contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. It investigates the complex interactions between tumor cells and the microbiota, particularly in CRC, and discusses how these microorganisms can influence tumor behavior and immune responses. The paper also explores the potential of targeting intratumoral microbiota as part of new therapeutic strategies for CRC treatment.
Who was studied?
The article synthesizes findings from various studies involving CRC patients and animal models. It explores the microbial composition in CRC tissues and compares it with normal colorectal tissues. Specific attention is given to microbes such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides fragilis, which are known to play key roles in tumorigenesis. The review discusses how the presence and abundance of these microorganisms correlate with cancer progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance, focusing on their impact on CRC prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Most important findings
The review highlights that intratumoral microbiota significantly influences CRC development. It points out that the microbial composition in CRC tissues differs markedly from that in healthy tissues, with an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Escherichia coli. These bacteria are linked to inflammation, DNA damage, and immune suppression, all of which contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. The article also emphasizes that the microbiota can affect the tumor microenvironment (TME) by modulating immune responses, promoting tumor cell survival, and enabling resistance to chemotherapy. For instance, F. nucleatum has been shown to enhance immune evasion by suppressing T-cell responses and activating pro-inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, the review discusses the impact of microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, in modulating tumor metabolism and genomic stability, further influencing CRC progression.
Key implications
The findings of this review suggest that intratumoral microbiota can be used as both biomarkers for CRC prognosis and targets for new therapeutic strategies. The identification of specific microbial signatures within tumors could allow for the development of personalized treatment plans based on microbiota composition. Moreover, interventions aimed at modifying the tumor microbiome, such as using probiotics, antibiotics, or other microbiota-targeted interventions, could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments like immunotherapy and chemotherapy. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms through which the microbiota contributes to tumor progression and to explore the potential of microbiome-based therapies in clinical settings.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Microbiota-targeted interventions for mental health
This review explores microbiota-targeted interventions for mental health, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, FMT, and diet. While promising, large-scale trials are needed to refine evidence-based strategies. Microbiota-based therapies may serve as adjuncts for psychiatric care, highlighting the gut-brain axis as a key target for future research.