Fusobacterium nucleatum as a Cause of Colorectal Cancer in Human

Abstract

Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oral oncobiont associated with periodontitis and cancer in humans. High levels of F. nucleatum have been detected in various types of cancer, including colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, breast, gastric, and oral cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that this bacterium can accelerate tumorigenesis and contribute to resistance to chemotherapy. The present review examines F. nucleatum and its potential role in carcinogenesis in humans, with particular emphasis on the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The mechanisms involved include bacterial colonization, invasion, chronic inflammation, immune suppression, modulation of host-cell signaling, and enhancement of tumor-cell proliferation.