Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
08:19
Generating Transposon Insertion Libraries in Gram-Negative Bacteria for High-Throughput Sequencing
Published on: July 7, 2020
10.6K
Colibactin genes are highly prevalent in the developing infant gut microbiome
Shira Levy1, Kathryn E McCauley2, Rachel Strength1
1Clinical Microbiome Unit, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|August 20, 2025
Summary
Colibactin-producing gut bacteria (pks+) are common in infants, suggesting early-life carriage is normal. More research is needed to understand how this bacteria may increase colorectal cancer risk later in life.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Colibactin-producing bacteria carrying the *pks* genomic island are implicated in colorectal cancer development.
- Early-life gut microbiome composition is critical for long-term health.
- The role of *pks+* bacteria in early life and subsequent cancer risk remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of colibactin-producing (*pks+*) bacteria in infants.
- To assess the potential link between early-life *pks+* bacterial carriage and colorectal cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Prevalence study of *pks+* bacteria in infant gut microbiomes.
- Analysis of *pks+* bacterial carriage during the first two years of life.
Main Results:
- An extremely high prevalence of *pks+* bacteria was observed in over 50% of infants studied.
- Carriage of *pks+* bacteria appears to be a common occurrence during early-life microbiome development.
Conclusions:
- Early-life carriage of colibactin-producing (*pks+*) bacteria is likely a normal aspect of gut microbiome development.
- Further investigation is required to determine the specific conditions under which *pks+* bacterial carriage may lead to mutagenesis and increased colorectal cancer risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
640
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
640
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
73.8K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
73.8K
01:27Bacterial Phylum Firmicutes
142
Firmicutes is a diverse phylum of Gram-positive bacteria characterized by a low GC content in their genomes. This phylum includes organisms with monoderm or diderm cell envelopes, highlighting a complex evolutionary history. Firmicutes comprises several major orders, including Lactobacillales, Clostridiales, and Bacillales, which exhibit remarkable diversity in their morphology, metabolism, and ecological roles.The order Lactobacillales includes lactic acid bacteria, which are fermentative...
142
01:30Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
109
Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
109
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
197
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
197