Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2023) | Viewed by 22557

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hôpital Henri Mondor, Creteil, France
Interests: cancer; microbiota; hormones

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
UPEC 61 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94000 Créteil, France
Interests: bioinformatics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Host–microbial interaction plays a major role in shaping the wellness or disease of the human body. Microorganisms coexisting in human tissues maintain a balance between benefits (modulation of fundamental processes such as signal transduction, immunity, and metabolism) and microbial diversity. Unbalance, or dysbiosis, has been correlated with cancers, particularly those in the GI tract. However, the heterogeneous nature of microbes makes our understanding of the exact effect of microbiota on patients a remaining challenge in clinical settings. The role of host–microbiome interactions must be documented more extensively, including in precision medicine in the area of cancer research, treatments, disease risk and screening, and systems biology.

In this Special Issue, we invite papers on the state of the art of

  • Sequencing and metabolome technologies;
  • Computational methods and schemes in systems biology that address recent breakthroughs in uncovering relationships or associations between microorganisms and cancer;
  • Microbiome studies which extend the horizon of new personalized treatments against cancer from the perspective of precision medicine through a synergistic strategy integrating clinical knowledge;
  • Probiotics: facts and illusion.

Prof. Dr. Iradj Sobhani
Dr. Denis Mestivier
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cancer
  • microbiota
  • metabolomics
  • genomics
  • biology system
  • probiotics

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 200 KiB  
Editorial
DNA Methylation Is a Main Key for Bacteria-Related Colon Carcinogenesis
by Iradj Sobhani
Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122574 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1865
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)

Research

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16 pages, 5537 KiB  
Article
A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study of Immunological and Microbiome Profiling Reveals Distinct Inflammatory Profiles for Smokers, Electronic Cigarette Users, and Never-Smokers
by Peter G. Shields, Kevin L. Ying, Theodore M. Brasky, Jo L. Freudenheim, Zihai Li, Joseph P. McElroy, Sarah A. Reisinger, Min-Ae Song, Daniel Y. Weng, Mark D. Wewers, Noah B. Whiteman, Yiping Yang and Ewy A. Mathé
Microorganisms 2023, 11(6), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061405 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Smokers (SM) have increased lung immune cell counts and inflammatory gene expression compared to electronic cigarette (EC) users and never-smokers (NS). The objective of this study is to further assess associations for SM and EC lung microbiomes with immune cell subtypes and inflammatory [...] Read more.
Smokers (SM) have increased lung immune cell counts and inflammatory gene expression compared to electronic cigarette (EC) users and never-smokers (NS). The objective of this study is to further assess associations for SM and EC lung microbiomes with immune cell subtypes and inflammatory gene expression in samples obtained by bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (n = 28). RNASeq with the CIBERSORT computational algorithm were used to determine immune cell subtypes, along with inflammatory gene expression and microbiome metatranscriptomics. Macrophage subtypes revealed a two-fold increase in M0 (undifferentiated) macrophages for SM and EC users relative to NS, with a concordant decrease in M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages. There were 68, 19, and 1 significantly differentially expressed inflammatory genes (DEG) between SM/NS, SM/EC users, and EC users/NS, respectively. CSF-1 and GATA3 expression correlated positively and inversely with M0 and M2 macrophages, respectively. Correlation profiling for DEG showed distinct lung profiles for each participant group. There were three bacteria genera–DEG correlations and three bacteria genera–macrophage subtype correlations. In this pilot study, SM and EC use were associated with an increase in undifferentiated M0 macrophages, but SM differed from EC users and NS for inflammatory gene expression. The data support the hypothesis that SM and EC have toxic lung effects influencing inflammatory responses, but this may not be via changes in the microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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14 pages, 1542 KiB  
Article
The Oral Microbiome as Mediator between Oral Hygiene and Its Impact on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
by Qiao-Yun Liu, Ying Liao, Yan-Xia Wu, Hua Diao, Yan Du, Yi-Wei Chen, Jin-Ru Xie, Wen-Qiong Xue, Yong-Qiao He, Tong-Min Wang, Xiao-Hui Zheng and Wei-Hua Jia
Microorganisms 2023, 11(3), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030719 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1627
Abstract
Oral hygiene and the alteration of the oral microbiome have been linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to investigate whether the oral microbiome plays a mediating role in the relationship between oral hygiene and NPC, and identify differential microbial taxonomies that [...] Read more.
Oral hygiene and the alteration of the oral microbiome have been linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to investigate whether the oral microbiome plays a mediating role in the relationship between oral hygiene and NPC, and identify differential microbial taxonomies that potentially mediated this association. We conducted a case–control study that involved 218 NPC patients and 192 healthy controls. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region was performed to evaluate the composition of the oral microbiome. Mediation analysis was applied to explore the relationship among oral hygiene, the oral microbiome and NPC. We found that dental fillings and poor oral hygiene score were associated with increased risks of NPC (OR = 2.51 (1.52–4.25) and OR = 1.54 (1.02–2.33)). Mediation analysis indicated that dental fillings increased the risk of NPC by altering the abundance of Erysipelotrichales, Erysipelotrichaceae, Solobacterium and Leptotrichia wadei. In addition, Leptotrichia wadei also mediated the association between oral hygiene score and the risk of NPC. Our study confirmed that poor oral hygiene increased the risk of NPC, which was partly mediated by the oral microbiome. These findings might help us to understand the potential mechanism of oral hygiene influencing the risk of NPC via the microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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17 pages, 1839 KiB  
Article
Characterization of High-Risk HPV/EBV Co-Presence in Pre-Malignant Cervical Lesions and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
by Rancés Blanco, Diego Carrillo-Beltrán, Juan P. Muñoz, Julio C. Osorio, Julio C. Tapia, Verónica A. Burzio, Iván Gallegos, Gloria M. Calaf, Paola Chabay and Francisco Aguayo
Microorganisms 2022, 10(5), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10050888 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2144
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are the etiological agents of cervical cancer. However, a low proportion of HR-HPV-infected women finally develop this cancer, which suggests the involvement of additional cofactors. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) as well [...] Read more.
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are the etiological agents of cervical cancer. However, a low proportion of HR-HPV-infected women finally develop this cancer, which suggests the involvement of additional cofactors. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) as well as in low- (LSIL) and high-grade (HSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesions, although its role is unknown. In this study, we characterized HR-HPV/EBV co-presence and viral gene expression in LSIL (n = 22), HSIL (n = 52), and SCC (n = 19) from Chilean women. Additionally, phenotypic changes were evaluated in cervical cancer cells ectopically expressing BamHI-A Rightward Frame 1 (BARF1). BARF1 is a lytic gene also expressed in EBV-positive epithelial tumors during the EBV latency program. HPV was detected in 6/22 (27.3%) LSIL, 38/52 (73.1%) HSIL, and 15/19 (78.9%) SCC cases (p < 0.001). On the other hand, EBV was detected in 16/22 (72.7%) LSIL, 27/52 (51.9%) HSIL, and 13/19 (68.4%) SCC cases (p = 0.177). HR-HPV/EBV co-presence was detected in 3/22 (13.6%) LSIL, 17/52 (32.7%) HSIL, and 11/19 (57.9%) SCC cases (p = 0.020). Additionally, BARF1 transcripts were detected in 37/55 (67.3%) of EBV positive cases and in 19/30 (63.3%) of HR-HPV/EBV positive cases. Increased proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was observed in cervical cancer cells expressing BARF1. Thus, both EBV and BARF1 transcripts are detected in low- and high-grade cervical lesions as well as in cervical carcinomas. In addition, BARF1 can modulate the tumor behavior in cervical cancer cells, suggesting a role in increasing tumor aggressiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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14 pages, 1503 KiB  
Article
Human Colonic Microbiota and Short-Term Postoperative Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
by Lelde Lauka, Iradj Sobhani, Francesco Brunetti, Denis Mestivier and Nicola de’Angelis
Microorganisms 2022, 10(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10010041 - 26 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2473
Abstract
Despite the advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, the complication rates after colorectal cancer surgery have remained stable. Recently, it has been suggested that colon microbiota may be implicated in several pathways that can lead to impaired colonic homeostasis and, thereby, to [...] Read more.
Despite the advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, the complication rates after colorectal cancer surgery have remained stable. Recently, it has been suggested that colon microbiota may be implicated in several pathways that can lead to impaired colonic homeostasis and, thereby, to the development of complications after colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of colonic dysbiosis on postoperative course. This prospective human clinical study recruited patients operated on for left colon, sigmoid colon or rectal cancer. Colon mucosa and fecal samples were collected to study mucosa associated microbiota (MAM) and luminal microbiota (LM), accordingly. Preliminary analysis for the first 25 consecutive patients with V3–V4 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed. Bacterial composition and abundance in patients who developed postoperative complications over a 90-day follow-up period were compared to those without postoperative complications. Abundance and distribution of genera in MAM differed significantly when compared to LM with a significant impact on neoadjuvant therapy on bacterial composition. Preliminary analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in LM nor in MAM composition when individuals with and without postoperative surgical complications were compared. In cases of postoperative complications, LM and MAM showed significantly decreased diversity. Composition of the colonic microbiota is altered by neoadjuvant therapy. Results on the impact of colonic dysbiosis on postoperative complications are pending the end of the present study, with 50 patients enrolled. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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Review

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16 pages, 1177 KiB  
Review
The Microbiome-TIME Axis: A Host of Possibilities
by Tyler Joel Ross and Jun Zhang
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020288 - 22 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1835
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a significant source of mortality and morbidity worldwide despite progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Fortunately, immunotherapy has been a breakthrough in the treatment of many cancers. However, the response to immunotherapy treatment and the experience of [...] Read more.
Cancer continues to be a significant source of mortality and morbidity worldwide despite progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Fortunately, immunotherapy has been a breakthrough in the treatment of many cancers. However, the response to immunotherapy treatment and the experience of associated side effects varies significantly between patients. Recently, attention has been given to understanding the role of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in the development, progression, and treatment response of cancer. A new understanding of the role of the microbiota in the modulation of the TIME has further complicated the story but also unlocked a new area of adjuvant therapeutic research. The complex balance of tumor-permissive and tumor-suppressive immune environments requires further elucidation in order to be harnessed as a therapeutic target. Because both the TIME and the microbiome show importance in these areas, we propose here the concept of the “microbiome-TIME axis” to review the current field of research and future directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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16 pages, 615 KiB  
Review
From Mouth to Muscle: Exploring the Potential Relationship between the Oral Microbiome and Cancer-Related Cachexia
by Shreya R. Raman, Christopher Liu, Kelly M. Herremans, Andrea N. Riner, Vignesh Vudatha, Devon C. Freudenberger, Kelley L. McKinley, Eric W. Triplett and Jose G. Trevino
Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112291 - 18 Nov 2022
Viewed by 2817
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome associated with skeletal muscle and adipose tissue loss, as well as decreased appetite. It affects approximately half of all cancer patients and leads to a decrease in treatment efficacy, quality of life, and survival. The human [...] Read more.
Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome associated with skeletal muscle and adipose tissue loss, as well as decreased appetite. It affects approximately half of all cancer patients and leads to a decrease in treatment efficacy, quality of life, and survival. The human microbiota has been implicated in the onset and propagation of cancer cachexia. Dysbiosis, or the imbalance of the microbial communities, may lead to chronic systemic inflammation and contribute to the clinical phenotype of cachexia. Though the relationship between the gut microbiome, inflammation, and cachexia has been previously studied, the oral microbiome remains largely unexplored. As the initial point of digestion, the oral microbiome plays an important role in regulating systemic health. Oral dysbiosis leads to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an imbalance in natural flora, which in turn may contribute to muscle wasting associated with cachexia. Reinstating this equilibrium with the use of prebiotics and probiotics has the potential to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from cancer-related cachexia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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15 pages, 578 KiB  
Review
Host Genetics and Microbiota Interactions in Colorectal Cancer: Shared or Independent Risk?
by Irati Romero-Garmendia and Koldo Garcia-Etxebarria
Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112129 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1416
Abstract
The role of microbiota in colorectal cancer has been studied since alterations in its composition were observed. In addition, there are more and more pieces of evidence that microbiota could be implicated in colorectal cancer progression. Thus, the components of the microbiota could [...] Read more.
The role of microbiota in colorectal cancer has been studied since alterations in its composition were observed. In addition, there are more and more pieces of evidence that microbiota could be implicated in colorectal cancer progression. Thus, the components of the microbiota could be biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. In addition, it is important to address how the microbiota interacts with the host and how the host shapes the microbiota, in order to understand the biological pathways and mechanisms involved in their relationship and the consequences of their interactions in colorectal cancer. Thereby, it could be possible to find feasible measures and treatments to prevent or better diagnose colorectal cancer. In this review, we will try to summarize the role of the microbiota in colorectal cancer and its interactions with the host and the host genetics, coming to some conclusions that could be useful to find the gaps in our knowledge and propose future steps in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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20 pages, 1607 KiB  
Review
Oral Bacterial Microbiota in Digestive Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
by Elisa Reitano, Nicola de’Angelis, Paschalis Gavriilidis, Federica Gaiani, Riccardo Memeo, Riccardo Inchingolo, Giorgio Bianchi, Gian Luigi de’Angelis and Maria Clotilde Carra
Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122585 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5778
Abstract
The relation between the gut microbiota and human health is increasingly recognized. Recently, some evidence suggested that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota may be involved in the development of digestive cancers. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines to investigate [...] Read more.
The relation between the gut microbiota and human health is increasingly recognized. Recently, some evidence suggested that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota may be involved in the development of digestive cancers. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines to investigate the association between the oral microbiota and digestive cancers. Several databases including Medline, Scopus, and Embase were searched by three independent reviewers, without date restriction. Over a total of 1654 records initially identified, 28 studies (2 prospective cohort studies and 26 case-controls) were selected. They investigated oral microbiota composition in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 5), gastric cancer (n = 5), colorectal cancer (n = 9), liver carcinoma (n = 2), and pancreatic cancer (n = 7). In most of the studies, oral microbiota composition was found to be different between digestive cancer patients and controls. Particularly, oral microbiota dysbiosis and specific bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, appeared to be associated with colorectal cancers. Current evidence suggests that differences exist in oral microbiota composition between patients with and without digestive cancers. Further studies are required to investigate and validate oral–gut microbial transmission patterns and their role in digestive cancer carcinogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Related Host-Microbiota Interactions)
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