Multi-Omics Analysis of Gut Microecological Variations in Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Metabolomics
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) development involves complex interactions between gut microbiota, metabolites, and trace elements.
• Understanding these interactions throughout the CRC lifecycle, from onset to metastasis and cachexia, is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diversity and roles of gut microbes, metabolites, and trace elements across the entire spectrum of colorectal cancer.
• To identify potential biomarkers for CRC risk, metastasis, and malnutrition associated with the disease.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of stool samples from 302 participants (CRC patients, adenoma patients, and controls) using full-length 16S rDNA sequencing.
• Mass spectrometry was employed to analyze gut metabolites and trace elements for CRC-associated variations.

Main Results:

• A panel of seven bacteria, one trace element (Plumbum), and four metabolites demonstrated potential as biomarkers, achieving 93.3% accuracy in CRC identification models.
• Distinct microbial and metabolite profiles were observed in metastatic CRC, with specific bacteria and metabolites predicting malnutrition risk with 80% accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Gut bacteria, metabolites, and trace elements function as predictive biomarkers for CRC risk, metastasis, and malnutrition.
• These findings support the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer.