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Carcinogenesis and therapeutics: the microbiota perspective.
Matthew C B Tsilimigras1, Anthony Fodor1, Christian Jobin2,3
1Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USA.
Nature Microbiology
|February 23, 2017
Summary
The human microbiota influences cancer development, acting as both a promoter and protector. Understanding this complex relationship offers new therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cancer develops from genetic and epigenetic changes influenced by risk factors like lifestyle, diet, and inflammation.
- The tumor microenvironment provides signaling cues affecting cancer progression and metastasis.
- The host microbiota, particularly in the gut, significantly impacts host physiology and cancer formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of the microbiota in promoting and preventing cancer.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of microorganisms in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microbiota and carcinogenesis.
- Analysis of the influence of lifestyle, diet, and inflammation on microbiota composition and cancer risk.
Main Results:
- The microbiota can promote or inhibit cancer development through various mechanisms.
- Microbiota composition is modulated by environmental factors, impacting cancer risk.
- The complex interaction between microbiota and host presents therapeutic opportunities.
Conclusions:
- The microbiota plays a critical, multifaceted role in cancer development and progression.
- Harnessing the microbiota offers promising strategies for cancer prevention and therapy.
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