Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• The human body hosts trillions of microbes, collectively known as the human microbiota, which typically form a symbiotic relationship with the host.
• Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial diversity, is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent literature on alterations in gut microbiota composition and their influence on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and progression.
• To explore the complex mechanisms linking gut microbes to CRC development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific publications.
• Analysis of studies investigating gut microbiota composition in relation to CRC.
• Examination of the 'driver-passenger' model of CRC development.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates distinct gut microbiota profiles in CRC patients compared to healthy individuals, with variations based on tumor location.
• The 'driver-passenger' model proposes that specific bacteria induce inflammation and mutations, facilitating CRC progression.
• Associations between individual bacterial species and consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of CRC have been identified.

Conclusions:

• A strong link exists between the intestinal microbiota and CRC development, though underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.
• Mechanistic studies are needed to understand the interplay between diet, microbial communities, and metabolites in CRC evolution.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting microbial associations with CMS hold promise for clinical translation in CRC and other cancers.