Association between Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer: Progress and future directions

Sheng Zhang^1,2, Sanjun Cai^1,2✉, Yanlei Ma^1,2✉

1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
2. Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.

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Citation:
Zhang S, Cai S, Ma Y. Association between Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer: Progress and future directions. J Cancer 2018; 9(9):1652-1659. doi:10.7150/jca.24048. Available from https://www.jcancer.org/v09p1652.htm

Abstract

The initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) involves genetic and epigenetic alterations influenced by dietary and environmental factors. Increasing evidence has linked the intestinal microbiota and colorectal cancer. More recently, Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), an opportunistic commensal anaerobe in the oral cavity, has been associated with CRC. Several research teams have reported an overabundance of Fn in human CRC and have elucidated the possible mechanisms by which Fn is involved in colorectal carcinogenesis in vitro and in mouse models. However, the mechanisms by which Fn promotes colorectal carcinogenesis remain unclear. To provide new perspectives for early diagnosis, the identification of high risk populations and treatment for colorectal cancer, this review will summarize the relative research progresses regarding the relationship between Fn and colorectal cancer.

Keywords: Fusobacterium nucleatum, colorectal cancer, intestinal microbiota.