More Evidence Links One Bacterial Species to Colorectal Cancer

Researchers have identified a bacterial protein that stimulates tumor proliferation.

In late 2011, two groups reported finding one particular bacterial species, Fusobacterium nucleatum, in human colorectal cancer (CRC; NEJM JW Gen Med Nov 3 2011). However, any mechanism by which it might cause cancer was unknown; these bacteria simply might have an affinity for colonizing tumors.

One of the original groups now reports that F. nucleatum stimulates growth of CRC cells. In addition, F. nucleatum contains a unique adhesion antigen (FadA) on its surface that binds to a particular receptor on CRC cells and stimulates both inflammation and carcinogenesis. FadA levels in CRC tissue were 10 to 100 times higher than those in normal colon tissue. A synthetic peptide that blocked the binding of FadA to CRC cells also blocked its ability…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

More Evidence Links One Bacterial Species to Colorectal Cancer

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Reviewing Author