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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Gut Microbiome-Lung Tissue Communication Through Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis
Published on: June 21, 2024
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Short-chain fatty acids and cancer
Shan Li1, Yixin Duan2, Shudi Luo1
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Frontier Medical Research on Cancer Metabolism, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, China; Institute of Fundamental and Transdisciplinary Research, Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310029, China.
Trends in Cancer
|December 5, 2024
Summary
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by gut microbes from diet, are vital for metabolism and immunity. Targeting SCFA pathways offers potential for cancer prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolism
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites crucial for host health.
- They link diet, gut microbiota, metabolism, immunity, and cancer development.
- SCFAs play multifaceted roles within the tumor microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the critical roles of SCFAs in maintaining homeostasis.
- To investigate the influence of SCFAs on tumor progression.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting SCFA-mediated processes in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on SCFAs.
- Analysis of SCFA's metabolic functions including beta-oxidation.
- Examination of SCFA's regulatory roles on cellular processes and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- SCFAs serve as energy sources and regulate key cellular activities.
- They modulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities.
- SCFAs impact protein modifications, signaling pathways, and gene expression in tumor and immune cells.
Conclusions:
- SCFAs are critical regulators of homeostasis and tumor progression.
- Targeting SCFA-mediated cellular processes presents a promising strategy for cancer prevention.
- SCFA modulation offers a novel therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
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