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Enterococcus faecalis enhances cell proliferation through hydrogen peroxide-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor
Kanitsak Boonanantanasarn1, Ann Lindley Gill, YoonSing Yap
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|August 2, 2012
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis bacteria are frequently found in oral tumors and can activate EGFR signaling, promoting cell proliferation. This suggests a potential role for E. faecalis in oral cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is part of the gut and oral microbiota.
- Its role in colorectal and oral cancers is not fully understood.
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is critical in oral cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between E. faecalis and oral cancer.
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking E. faecalis to EGFR signaling in oral cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of E. faecalis frequency in oral tumors.
- In vitro studies using human oral cancer cells.
- Assessment of EGFR activation and cell proliferation.
- Evaluation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by E. faecalis.
- Use of catalase and gefitinib as inhibitors.
Main Results:
- High frequency of E. faecalis detected in oral tumors.
- E. faecalis infection correlated with EGFR activation in clinical samples.
- E. faecalis induced EGFR activation and proliferation in human oral cancer cells.
- E. faecalis-induced EGFR activation is mediated by H2O2 production.
- Inhibition of H2O2 and EGFR significantly reduced E. faecalis-induced effects.
Conclusions:
- E. faecalis infection is associated with oral tumors.
- E. faecalis contributes to oral carcinogenesis by activating EGFR signaling via H2O2.
- Targeting E. faecalis or EGFR may offer therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
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