The Microbiota and Its Association with Cellular Transformation and Metabolic Changes 2.0

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, scientists have made significant discoveries concerning the link between human microbiota and both human cancers and metabolic changes. New findings suggest altered immune responses, metabolism shifts, and dysregulated kinase activation, which potentially impairs cellular signal transduction. In vitro studies have also revealed that certain bacteria can drive epigenetic changes, modify host cell cycles, influence apoptotic pathways, and stimulate the production of inflammatory substances that may cause DNA damage. This damage could potentially promote abnormal cell growth and transformation. Additionally, in vivo experiments have demonstrated that administering cancer-causing agents to germ-free animals results in less tumor formation compared to non-germ-free mice. Furthermore, human studies have emphasized the association between specific bacteria such as H. pylori, F. nucleatum, and certain mycoplasmas, and the origin of some cancers. However, the exact mechanisms of cellular transformation remain largely mysterious. This Special Issue aims to gather original research articles and review papers exploring any aspect of the interaction between the human microbiota and host cells. The focus of this Special Issue is on the description and elucidation of the potential molecular mechanisms that may promote cellular transformation and metabolic changes. To further underscore the role of human microbiota on metabolic changes, we also encourage the submission of papers examining its effects on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and reproductive issues, among others.

Dr. Davide Zella
Dr. Francesca Benedetti
Guest Editors

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