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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Colonization with Murine pks+ Escherichia coli under Non-Inflammatory Conditions

Colonization with Murine pks+ Escherichia coli under Non-Inflammatory Conditions

Published on: March 10, 2026

Microbes, microbiota, and colon cancer.

Cynthia L Sears¹, Wendy S Garrett²

¹Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe

|March 18, 2014

Summary

The gut microbiota, especially bacteria, plays a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Research is exploring microbial metabolism, diet, and specific species in CRC etiology and treatment.

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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

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Last Updated: May 2, 2026

Colonization with Murine pks+ Escherichia coli under Non-Inflammatory Conditions

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Published on: March 10, 2026

A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model

A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model

Published on: February 28, 2018

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Oncology
Gastroenterology

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern.
The human colon harbors a vast microbial community, suggesting a link to colorectal carcinogenesis.
Advances in microbial meta'omics are enhancing our understanding of the microbiota's role in CRC.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on the microbiota's contribution to CRC.
To explore frameworks for assessing microbial roles in cancer causation.
To discuss microbial metabolism's impact on CRC etiology and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

Review of current scientific literature on the gut microbiota and CRC.
Analysis of microbial meta'omics data.
Exploration of conceptual frameworks for microbial carcinogenesis.

Main Results:

Emerging evidence highlights specific bacterial species potentially promoting CRC.
Microbial metabolism, including bile acids and xenobiotics, is implicated in CRC.
Dietary factors interact with the microbiota in CRC development.

Conclusions:

The gut microbiota is a critical factor in colorectal cancer development.
Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps regarding specific microbial contributions.
Understanding microbial metabolism offers potential therapeutic strategies for CRC.