NEW YORK, U.S.: The risks associated with poor oral health are many. In the past, scientists have demonstrated that around a third of colorectal cancers are associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum. In a new study, researchers at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, have determined how F. nucleatumcan accelerate the growth of this cancer.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Researchers have long known that the disease is caused by genetic mutations that typically accumulate over the course of a decade. “Mutations are just part of the story,” according to study leader Dr. Yiping W. Han, Professor of Microbial Sciences at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Other factors, including microbes, can also play a role.”
In the study, the researchers found in cell cultures that noncancerous colon cells lack a protein called annexin A1, which stimulates cancer growth. They also discovered that F. nucleatum increases production of annexin A1, attracting more of the bacteria. They next confirmed that disabling annexin A1 prevented F. nucleatum from binding to the cancer cells, slowing their growth. “We identified a positive feedback loop that worsens the cancer’s progression,” said Han. “We propose a two-hit model, where genetic mutations are the first hit. F. nucleatum serves as the second hit, accelerating the cancer signaling pathway and speeding tumor growth.”
To further investigate their findings, the researchers then looked at an RNA-sequencing data set, available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information, of 466 patients with primary colon cancer. Patients with increased annexin A1 expression had a poorer prognosis, regardless of the cancer grade and stage, or their age or sex.
With the initial research results having recently been published, the scientists are now looking for ways to develop annexin A1 as a biomarker for more aggressive cancers and as a potential target for developing new treatments for colon and other types of cancer.
The study, titled “Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes colorectal cancer by inducing Wnt/β‐catenin modulator Annexin A1,” was published in EMBO reports on March 4, 2019.
Tags:
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., U.S.: Food leaves permanent traces on teeth. Examining these marks—or microwear—a team of researchers has documented the effects of ...
NEW YORK, U.S.: Many people enjoy a drink, and now researchers from the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine have identified that alcohol ...
A graduate of Paris Descartes University (now the University of Paris), Dr Léon Pariente currently runs a private practice in the French capital that ...
TROMSØ, Norway: Interactions with difficult patients and how these situations are perceived, addressed and resolved can affect job satisfaction and cause ...
RUGBY, UK/BOISE, Idaho, US: Oral cancer incidence is on the rise globally and awareness of mouth cancer remains low. To tackle the issue, the Oral Health ...
MADRID, Spain/MEDELLÍN, Colombia: Researchers have evaluated the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and rheumatoid arthritis...
COLUMBUS, Ohio, USA: As previous laboratory studies have suggested that dietary administration of whole strawberries has substantial potential as a strategy...
They say the evidence never lies. Here are the clues: Production fluctuates regularly. Collections are shaky. The schedule is either feast or famine. ...
In dental offices all over the world, patients are often told they are not flossing enough or instructed to floss more. As the old saying goes, you only ...
SÃO PAULO, Brazil: In a discovery that may help the early identification of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), researchers in Brazil have found a ...
Live webinar
Thu. 18 July 2024
8:00 pm EST (New York)
Live webinar
Tue. 6 August 2024
6:00 pm EST (New York)
Live webinar
Tue. 13 August 2024
7:00 pm EST (New York)
Live webinar
Wed. 14 August 2024
12:30 pm EST (New York)
Live webinar
Wed. 21 August 2024
9:00 am EST (New York)
Dr. Jim Lai DMD, MSc(Perio), EdD, FRCD(C)
Live webinar
Wed. 28 August 2024
8:00 pm EST (New York)
Live webinar
Mon. 2 September 2024
5:00 am EST (New York)
To post a reply please login or register