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Fungi and colorectal cancer: from dysregulation to clinical translation
Wu Yinhang1,2,3,4, Han Shuwen5,3,4, Zhuang Jing2,3,4
1Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Research on the gut microbiota has primarily focused on bacterial communities. However, the role of fungi-the second-largest eukaryotic component of the gut microbiome-in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been less extensively studied compared to bacteria. Recent studies have revealed significant fungal dysbiosis in the intestines of CRC patients, where the enrichment of specific pathogenic fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.) is closely associated with tumor progression, while the reduction of certain commensal fungi may weaken their protective effects. This fungal imbalance not only directly promotes tumorigenesis through carcinogenic mechanisms but also indirectly accelerates CRC progression by reshaping the bacteria-fungi interaction network and the host immune microenvironment. This article reviews the structural alterations of fungal communities in CRC, the changing patterns of specific fungal species, the relationship between fungal dysbiosis and clinicopathological features, the potential molecular mechanisms of fungi in CRC pathogenesis, the significance of cross-kingdom microbial interactions, as well as the potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of fungi in CRC and the challenges and prospects of novel fungal-modulating therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Fungal dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut fungi, is linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Altered fungal communities can promote CRC through direct and indirect mechanisms, impacting treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut microbiota research predominantly focuses on bacteria, overlooking fungi's role.
- Fungi are the second-largest eukaryotic component of the gut microbiome.
- The impact of gut fungi on colorectal cancer (CRC) is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fungal community alterations in CRC.
- To explore the mechanisms of fungal involvement in CRC pathogenesis.
- To discuss diagnostic and therapeutic applications of fungi in CRC.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on gut fungi and CRC.
- Analysis of fungal dysbiosis patterns in CRC patients.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms and microbial interactions.
Main Results:
- Significant fungal dysbiosis observed in CRC patients.
- Enrichment of pathogenic fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.) correlates with tumor progression.
- Reduced commensal fungi may diminish protective effects, while fungal imbalance impacts bacteria-fungi networks and host immunity.
Conclusions:
- Fungal dysbiosis plays a crucial role in CRC development and progression.
- Fungi can directly promote tumorigenesis and indirectly affect CRC via microbial interactions and immune modulation.
- Fungi hold potential for CRC diagnostics and therapeutics, necessitating further research into fungal-modulating strategies.
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