The role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer causation

Alhinai, E. A., Walton, G. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5426-5635 and Commane, D. M. (2019) The role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer causation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20 (21). 5295. ISSN 1422-0067 doi: 10.3390/ijms20215295

Abstract/Summary

Here, we reviewed emerging evidence on the role of the microbial community in colorectal carcinogenesis. A healthy gut microbiota promotes intestinal homeostasis and can exert anti-cancer effects; however, this microbiota also produces a variety of metabolites that are genotoxic and which can negatively influence epithelial cell behaviour. Disturbances in the normal microbial balance, known as dysbiosis, are frequently observed in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Microbial species linked to CRC include certain strains of , and amongst others. Whether these microbes are merely passive dwellers exploiting the tumour environment, or rather, active protagonists in the carcinogenic process is the subject of much research. The incidence of chemically-induced tumours in mice models varies, depending upon the presence or absence of these microorganisms, thus strongly suggesting influences on disease causation. Putative mechanistic explanations differentially link these strains to DNA damage, inflammation, aberrant cell behaviour and immune suppression. In the future, modulating the composition and metabolic activity of this microbial community may have a role in prevention and therapy.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/87360
Identification Number/DOI	10.3390/ijms20215295
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Food Microbial Sciences Research Group Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group
Publisher	MDPI
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