Abstract
The role of the gut microbiome in human health and disease is the focus of much attention. It has been widely agreed upon that our gut bacteria play a role in host immunity, nutrient absorption, digestion, metabolism, and other key drivers of health. Furthermore, certain microbial signatures and specific taxa have also been associated with the development of diseases, such as obesity; inflammatory bowel disease; and, indeed, colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the focus of this review. By extension, such taxa represent potential therapeutic targets. In particular, the emerging human pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum represents an important agent in CRC development and its control within the gastrointestinal tract is desirable. This paper reviews the principal bacterial pathogens that have been associated with CRC to date and discusses the in vitro and human studies that have shown the potential use of biotherapeutic strains as a means of targeting CRC-associated bacteria.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) refers to cancer of the rectum or colon [1]
These findings suggest that genotoxin-producing E. coli and B. fragilis could be a synergistic driver of colon cancer
Considering, the oral microbiota’s influence on GI health and disease [97] and that bacteria associated with CRC are found in the oral cavity, these findings suggest potential for oral lactobacilli to be active against CRC-associated F. nucleatum
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) refers to cancer of the rectum or colon [1]. CRC accounts for 9.2% of all cancer diagnoses globally, corresponding to 1.096 million cases, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide [2]. Colorectal tumorigenesis is attributed to genomic and/or epigenomic instability, resulting in the formation of neoplastic lesions [3,4] Such instabilities can promote mutations that result in the inactivation of tumour suppressor genes and the activation of oncogenes, leading to colonic cell malignancies [5]. Chemotherapy can damage healthy cells including hair follicle cells, mucous membranes of oral cavities, and the gastrointestinal tract, adversely affecting erythrocytes and leukocytes [15]. Surgical procedures such as colectomies may disrupt the resident gut microbiota, favouring the growth of harmful bacteria [16]. Bacterial strains that inhibit the CRC-associated pathogen F. nucleatum and that reduce CRC-associated taxa within the gut microbiota and, have the potential to contribute to CRC prevention by acting as biocontrol agents are discussed
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