Amy Kosranover 1 year ago

Gut Microbiota in IBD Patients Produce Metabolites That Trigger Colon Cancer in Animal Models

Systematic screening of metabolites produced by resident gut microbiota from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) showed that generally harmless bacteria (commensals) produce a diverse range of metabolites that can damage DNA (genotoxins). These genotoxic metabolites may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. The study discovered a family of genotoxins called indolimines, that are produced by Morganella morganii—a bacterial species linked to colorectal cancer. The researchers showed that indolimines can generate double-stranded breaks in DNA, in both cell-free and cell-based DNA damage assays. Such double-strand DNA damage could trigger the development of cancer.