Microbiota as the unifying factor behind the hallmarks of cancer

Abstract

The human microbiota is a complex ecosystem that colonizes body surfaces and interacts with host organ systems, especially the immune system. Since the composition of this ecosystem depends on a variety of internal and external factors, each individual harbors a unique set of microbes. These differences in microbiota composition make individuals either more or less susceptible to various diseases, including cancer. Specific microbes are associated with cancer etiology and pathogenesis and several mechanisms of how they drive the typical hallmarks of cancer were recently identified. Although most microbes reside in the distal gut, they can influence cancer initiation and progression in distant tissues, as well as modulate the outcomes of established cancer therapies. Here, we describe the mechanisms by which microbes influence carcinogenesis and discuss their current and potential future applications in cancer diagnostics and management.

Exploring the impact of breast cancer on colonization resistance of mouse microbiota using network node manipulation

“…Specifically, pathoadaptive mutations allow commensals to acquire virulence traits [ 90 ], enabling them to exploit the compromised mucosal barrier and immune dysregulation commonly associated with cancer [ 92 ]. Moreover, the cancer-altered gut environment can lead to shifts in nutrient availability [ 93 ], favoring the overgrowth of certain commensals that can outcompete beneficial microbes and exacerbate disease processes [ 93 , 94 ]. Furthermore, the ability of these commensals to sidestep immune surveillance can lead to persistent inflammation and tissue damage [ 91 ], contributing to a pro-carcinogenic environment.…”

Metabolic insights into tumor pathogenesis: Unveiling pan‐cancer metabolism and the potential of untargeted metabolomics

“…[54][55][56][57][58] Acetyl-CoA synthetase2 (ACSS2), which is upregulated by SREBP and essential for converting acetate to acetyl-CoA, is expressed in a significant part of human malignancies. [59][60][61] Acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA), the rate-limiting enzyme for FAS synthesis, catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. It is regulated by SREBP at the transcriptional level and by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation at the protein level.…”

Comparative analysis of pectin and prebiotics on human microbiota modulation in early life stages and adults

“…2 Furthermore, it has been noted that the gut harbors around 10 14 gut bacterial cells, encoding 150 times more genes than the human genome. 6 Notably, the interaction between the microbiota and the human host plays a crucial role in shaping the maturation of the immune system; indeed, the immune system's complete development is contingent upon this relationship. 5 In this sense, it is anticipated that the stability of the gut microbiota will occur after the age of three years.…”

“…5 In this sense, it is anticipated that the stability of the gut microbiota will occur after the age of three years. 6…”