Fusobacterium nucleatum: ecology, pathogenesis and clinical implications Original paper
Researched by:
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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
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 reviewed?
This review focuses on Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a Gram-negative bacterium that functions both as a commensal and an opportunistic pathogen (pathobiont) in humans. The article examines the ecological versatility of F. nucleatum, detailing its role in various diseases such as periodontal disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer (CRC). The review synthesizes findings on its pathogenesis, virulence mechanisms, and clinical implications, particularly its role in oncogenesis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance.
Who was reviewed?
The review primarily discusses the research findings on F. nucleatum, exploring its pathogenic potential across different diseases and its mechanisms of influencing human health. Key aspects reviewed include the bacterium’s interaction with the host, its metabolic adaptations, the diseases it is implicated in, and the latest advancements in diagnostics and treatment strategies targeting this pathogen.
What were the most important findings?
The review highlights that F. nucleatum is a significant microbial player in the pathogenesis of several systemic diseases, especially in cancer. Notably, the bacterium is strongly associated with CRC, with its presence in both early and advanced tumor stages, promoting tumor progression and metastasis through mechanisms like immune suppression, epithelial invasion, and inflammation. The virulence factors of F. nucleatum, such as the adhesins FadA, Fap2, and RadD, are critical in mediating host cell adhesion and immune evasion. Furthermore, F. nucleatum produces metabolites like succinic acid and formate, which manipulate the tumor microenvironment, contributing to chemotherapy resistance and immune evasion. Its ability to form biofilms and disrupt microbial balance in the gut further supports its role in chronic inflammatory conditions like IBD. Advances in detection techniques, including metagenomic sequencing and real-time PCR, are discussed for their potential in diagnosing F. nucleatum-associated diseases. The review also touches upon the emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting F. nucleatum, such as antibiotics, phage therapy, and vaccines.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
This review underscores the importance of F. nucleatum as a key modulator of human disease, especially cancer. Understanding its multifaceted role in oncogenesis and immune modulation opens avenues for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The findings highlight the potential of using F. nucleatum as a biomarker for early cancer detection, particularly in CRC. Furthermore, targeting this pathogen through precision therapies, such as tailored antibiotics, phage therapy, and vaccines, could provide new strategies for treating F. nucleatum-related diseases. However, the review also emphasizes the need for further research to understand the bacterial strain heterogeneity, its interactions with other microorganisms, and its precise role in immune evasion and therapeutic resistance, which will be essential for clinical applications.
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.