Adhesin RadD: the secret weapon of Fusobacterium nucleatum 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 are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
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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 reviewed?
This commentary reviews a study that identifies the adhesin RadD as a significant factor in the ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) development. RadD is a virulence protein found in Fn that facilitates adhesion to CRC cells by binding to the CD147 receptor. The review explores the mechanisms behind this interaction, the potential therapeutic strategies targeting RadD, and the broader implications for CRC treatment.
Who was reviewed?
The study reviewed in this article focused on the interactions between Fusobacterium nucleatum and CRC cells, specifically examining the role of the RadD adhesin. The authors discussed the function of RadD in promoting CRC cell proliferation through CD147 receptor binding, which activates signaling pathways like PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-MMP9, and how this contributes to CRC progression. The commentary also discusses the broader impact of this finding on therapeutic strategies.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlights several key findings from Zhang et al.’s research. First, RadD was identified as a novel adhesin on Fusobacterium nucleatum, playing a pivotal role in the bacterium’s ability to adhere to CRC cells. RadD’s interaction with CD147 was shown to activate the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-MMP9 signaling pathway, leading to CRC proliferation and tumor growth. The study demonstrated that blocking RadD with an antibody significantly inhibited Fn adhesion and the activation of pro-oncogenic signaling pathways in CRC cells. Additionally, the expression of RadD was found to be elevated in CRC tissues compared to non-cancerous tissues, and its levels correlated with tumor size, clinical stage, and CRC aggressiveness. These findings underscore the critical role of RadD in promoting CRC and suggest that targeting RadD could offer a new therapeutic approach for treating CRC.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The identification of RadD as a key adhesin in Fusobacterium nucleatum represents a breakthrough in understanding how the microbiome, specifically Fn, contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis. This study suggests that RadD could be a valuable target for CRC treatment. Therapeutic strategies could involve the development of antibodies or small molecules that inhibit RadD-CD147 interactions, potentially reducing CRC progression. Furthermore, this discovery opens the door for other microbiome-based therapeutic interventions, such as probiotics or bacteriocins that specifically target Fn. The study also raises the possibility of using RadD expression levels as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC, allowing for earlier detection and personalized treatment options. However, further research is necessary to fully explore the clinical application of these findings, including testing therapies targeting RadD in larger clinical cohorts.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium commonly found in the oral cavity, where it plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms. Beyond its presence in the mouth, Fn is implicated in a variety of systemic conditions, including periodontal disease, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Known for its ability to coaggregate with other bacteria, Fn's pathogenic potential is magnified in dysbiotic microbial communities, making it a key player in polymicrobial infections. The bacterium utilizes multiple virulence factors such as FadA and Fap2, which facilitate adhesion to host tissues and immune evasion, ultimately contributing to its role in chronic and inflammatory diseases.