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Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
Streptococcus australis and Ralstonia pickettii as Major Microbiota in Mesotheliomas
Rumi Higuchi1, Taichiro Goto1, Yosuke Hirotsu2
1Lung Cancer and Respiratory Disease Center, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi 400-8506, Japan.
Abstract:
The microbiota has been reported to be correlated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, its involvement in the pathology of mesothelioma remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify mesothelioma-specific microbiota using resected or biopsied mesothelioma samples. Eight mesothelioma tissue samples were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the effective tags were analyzed in order to determine the taxon composition of each sample. For the three patients who underwent extra pleural pneumonectomy, normal peripheral lung tissues adjacent to the tumor were also included, and the same analysis was performed. In total, 61 OTUs were identified in the tumor and lung tissues, which were classified into 36 species. Streptococcus australis and Ralstonia pickettii were identified as abundant species in almost all tumor and lung samples. Streptococcus australis and Ralstonia pickettii were found to comprise mesothelioma-specific microbiota involved in tumor progression; thus, they could serve as targets for the prevention of mesothelioma.
Insights
This study identifies specific bacteria, Streptococcus australis and Ralstonia pickettii, in mesothelioma tissues. These bacteria may play a role in mesothelioma development and could be targets for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- The human microbiome's role in cancer is increasingly recognized, yet its specific involvement in mesothelioma pathogenesis is largely unexplored.
- Understanding the microbial composition of mesothelioma is crucial for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize mesothelioma-specific microbial communities within tumor tissues.
- To investigate the potential role of identified microbiota in the progression of mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of eight mesothelioma tissue samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) analysis to determine microbial taxon composition.
- Comparison of microbial profiles in tumor tissues versus adjacent normal lung tissues from three patients.
Main Results:
- Sixty-one unique OTUs, classified into 36 species, were identified across all analyzed samples.
- Streptococcus australis and Ralstonia pickettii were consistently abundant in both mesothelioma and adjacent lung tissues.
- These two species were identified as key components of the mesothelioma-associated microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus australis and Ralstonia pickettii represent mesothelioma-specific microbiota.
- The identified microbiota are potentially involved in mesothelioma tumor progression.
- These bacteria offer promising targets for future mesothelioma prevention strategies.
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