Gut Microbial Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer

The human gut is colonized by a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. They produce various metabolites such as bile acids, tryptophan derivatives, fatty acids, and vitamins, which play crucial roles in maintaining gut homeostasis and are also associated with a variety of intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is one of the most common malignant tumors and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a high tendency to metastasize to distant organs such as the liver and lungs. Extensive research has demonstrated that gut microbiota and their metabolites influence colorectal carcinogenesis through multiple mechanisms. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the association between gut microbial metabolism and CRC and outlines the clinical translational prospects of gut microbiota and their metabolites, including their roles as biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Additionally, the gaps in current research and potential directions for future studies are identified and discussed.