Fusobacterium-associated molecular and immunological alterations in colorectal cancer: Insights from a Norwegian cohort Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
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.
-
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.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
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 study investigated the molecular and immunological alterations associated with Fusobacterium species, particularly F. animalis, in colorectal cancer (CRC) using a cohort of 25 Norwegian CRC patients. The research examined how Fusobacterium load influenced immune gene expression, macrophage polarization, and the correlation with molecular alterations such as microsatellite instability (MSI), somatic mutations in genes like KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA, as well as promoter methylation of MLH1 and MGMT.
Who was studied?
The study focused on 25 patients diagnosed with CRC. Tumor biopsies were collected from various regions, including tumor tissue, adjacent non-neoplastic tissue, ascending colon, and sigmoid colon. Molecular profiling and immune-related gene expression were analyzed using samples from these patients, who were scheduled for colonoscopy at Akershus University Hospital.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that a higher Fusobacterium load, especially F. animalis, was associated with increased expression of immune-related genes such as CXCL8, IL6, SPP1, and IDO1. Tumors with a high Fusobacterium load also showed significant correlation with MSI-high status. Among the 25 genes most associated with Fusobacterium abundance, CXCL8 exhibited the highest expression, particularly in tumors with elevated Fusobacterium levels. The presence of Fusobacterium in CRC samples was found to correlate with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, contributing to an inflammatory tumor microenvironment. The study also revealed no significant correlation between Fusobacterium load and M2 macrophage polarization, despite previous findings in the literature suggesting that Fusobacterium might promote M2 macrophage polarization, which is known to contribute to tumor progression. Additionally, fap2, a key adhesion gene, was constitutively expressed across CRC tumor tissues and non-neoplastic tissues, suggesting that Fusobacterium might maintain its role in the tumor microenvironment by consistently engaging with host cells.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study’s findings suggest that Fusobacterium, particularly F. animalis, significantly influences CRC progression through immune modulation, including upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and possibly affecting tumor immunosurveillance. The study highlights the potential role of Fusobacterium as both a driver of inflammation and a biomarker for CRC progression, especially in relation to MSI-high tumors. Despite the lack of a direct link between Fusobacterium load and M2 macrophage polarization, the study supports the hypothesis that Fusobacterium may contribute to CRC development by maintaining a persistent pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. These results suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting Fusobacterium or its associated immune responses could be explored to improve CRC treatment outcomes, particularly in patients with high Fusobacterium abundance.