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Novel Bacillus strains from the human gut exert anticancer effects on a broad range of malignancy types

Man-Fei Zhao1, Gong-Da Liang1, Yu-Jie Zhou2,3

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Public Health School, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.

Investigational New Drugs
|August 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified four novel Bacillus strains from fecal samples that inhibit the proliferation of ovarian and colorectal cancer cells. These gut bacteria show potential as promising new anticancer agents by inducing apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Oncology
  • Gut Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • The gut microbiota's role in cancer treatment is increasingly recognized, yet few microbes with therapeutic potential have been identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize novel gut bacteria with potential anticancer properties.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of isolated bacterial strains against ovarian and colorectal cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacterial strains (BY38, BY40, BY43, BY45) from fecal specimens.
  • In vitro assays to assess the impact of bacterial products on cancer cell proliferation.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to identify bacterial species.
  • Flow cytometry to investigate mechanisms of cell death induction (apoptosis).

Main Results:

  • Bacterial strains BY38, BY40, BY43, and BY45 demonstrated significant, dose-dependent inhibition of ovarian and colorectal cancer cell proliferation.
  • Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the strains belong to the genus Bacillus.
  • Flow cytometry suggested that the anticancer effects are mediated through the induction of apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • The isolated Bacillus strains represent promising candidates for novel anticancer agents.
  • Further research into these gut bacteria could lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
ApoptosisBacillusBacterial productsCancerGut microbiota

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