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Updated: Jan 4, 2026
08:14
A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model
Published on: February 28, 2018
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Diet, Microbiota, and Colorectal Cancer
Tatiana P Grazioso1, Marta Brandt1, Nabil Djouder1
1Molecular Oncology Programme, Growth Factors, Nutrients and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Oncológicas, CNIO, Madrid 28029, Spain.
Iscience
|November 1, 2019
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from disruptions in intestinal homeostasis. Key signaling pathways, inflammation, nutrients, and microbiota imbalances contribute to malignant transformation of intestinal cells.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Molecular Oncology
Background:
- The intestinal epithelium has a high regenerative capacity, making it prone to developing colorectal cancer (CRC).
- Maintaining intestinal homeostasis relies on precise cell signaling and intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer development.
- To explore how disruptions in regulatory networks and environmental factors contribute to CRC.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on molecular and cellular mechanisms of CRC.
- Analysis of the roles of Wnt, Notch, BMP, and Hedgehog signaling pathways.
- Examination of the impact of inflammation, nutrients, and microbiota.
Main Results:
- Dysregulation of signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, BMP, Hedgehog) disrupts intestinal homeostasis.
- Alterations in inflammatory signaling, nutrient availability, and gut microbiota composition promote malignant transformation.
- Complex regulatory networks are critical for preventing intestinal cell transformation.
Conclusions:
- Imbalances in cellular communication and signaling pathways are key drivers of colorectal cancer.
- Environmental factors like inflammation, diet, and microbiota play significant roles in CRC pathogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted CRC therapies.
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