SciFocus/Dec 10, 2024 — New research published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals how the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. The study highlights that C. jejuni-derived cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) activates signaling pathways that drive tumor spread, potentially paving the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
“This research underscores the profound impact of bacterial toxins on cancer progression and opens new possibilities for targeted interventions.”
Highlights:
- Microbial Influence in Cancer: Campylobacter jejuni is significantly enriched in primary tumors of CRC patients with metastasis.
- Mechanism of Action:
- CDT drives CRC metastasis by activating the JAK2/STAT3/MMP9 signaling pathway.
- The toxin promotes cancer spread in both liver and lung metastatic models.
- Bacterial Translocation:
- C. jejuni migrates from the intestine to extraintestinal tumors, enhancing their metastatic potential.
- Key Experimental Findings:
- Genetic deletion of the cdtB gene or purified CdtB protein confirms CDT’s essential role in metastasis.
- In human colonic tissue and patient-derived tumoroids, CDT-induced signaling accelerates tumor progression.
- Clinical Implications:
- The study identifies a bacterial toxin as a driver of metastasis, suggesting potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CRC.
This discovery highlights the critical interplay between microbes and cancer, offering hope for innovative approaches to combat colorectal cancer metastasis.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1931312824004372?via%3Dihub
