Role of gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites in mucins of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health burden, accounting for approximately 10% of all new cancer cases worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that the crosstalk between the host mucins and gut microbiota is associated with the occurrence and development of CRC. Mucins secreted by goblet cells not only protect the intestinal epithelium from microorganisms and invading pathogens but also provide a habitat for commensal bacteria. Conversely, gut dysbiosis results in the dysfunction of mucins, allowing other commensals and their metabolites to pass through the intestinal epithelium, potentially triggering host responses and the subsequent progression of CRC. In this review, we summarize how gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites regulate the function and expression of mucin in CRC and novel treatment strategies for CRC.

Keywords: bacteria-related therapies; bacterial metabolites; colorectal cancer; gut microbiota; mucins.

Figure 1

Gut microbiota bacterial metabolites associated with mucins of colorectal cancer, and potential bacteria-related therapies. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and dysfunctions of bacterial metabolites, aggravated by environmental factors, contribute to mucus layer damage during colorectal cancer. This schematic also summarizes the health benefits of prebiotics and probiotics that cause alterations to mucins of CRC.