Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer: From phenomenon to mechanism 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
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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 focuses on the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in colorectal cancer (CRC), detailing its impact on CRC progression, metastasis, tumor immunity, and chemoresistance. The article explores the mechanisms by which F. nucleatum influences CRC development and response to therapies, and proposes strategies for CRC prevention and treatment based on current understanding.
Who was studied?
The review does not study specific individuals but discusses the role of F. nucleatum in CRC through a compilation of existing studies, including experimental mouse models, clinical samples, and laboratory-based analyses. The review particularly focuses on how the bacterium interacts with the tumor microenvironment and immune cells in CRC patients.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlights several key findings about F. nucleatum‘s role in CRC. First, F. nucleatum is found to be enriched in CRC tissues, with a preference for colonizing tumor tissues, especially in the right side of the colon. Its presence correlates with various molecular features of CRC, including high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), high CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP-H), and BRAF mutations. The bacterium is associated with promoting CRC progression by influencing tumor proliferation and metastasis through mechanisms such as the upregulation of miR-21, activation of β-catenin signaling, and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, F. nucleatum promotes CRC chemoresistance by activating autophagy and modulating key immune responses. It interacts with the tumor microenvironment by inducing macrophage M2 polarization and suppressing T-cell immunity. The bacterium also contributes to the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and metabolic reprogramming in CRC cells.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The implications of this review suggest that F. nucleatum plays a crucial role in CRC progression and resistance to therapy, making it a potential target for CRC prevention and treatment. Its impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion highlights the need for therapies aimed at disrupting the bacterium’s influence in the tumor microenvironment. The review proposes various strategies for targeting F. nucleatum, including vaccines, antibiotics, and microbiome rebalancing, as well as specific signaling pathway inhibitors. The findings also emphasize the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating CRC patients with high F. nucleatum abundance, though further research is needed to refine these strategies.
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.