Particle.news
Download on the App Store
19 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Bacterial Toxin Linked to Surge in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

New research identifies colibactin, a DNA-altering toxin from certain E. coli strains, as a potential factor in the global rise of colorectal cancer among young adults.

Escherichia coli that resides in the digestive tract of humans and warm-blooded animals.
Image
E.coli bacteria is part of a normal gut microbiome but some strains can produce toxins

Overview

  • A UCSD-led study found that colibactin-related DNA mutations are 3.3 times more common in early-onset colorectal cancer cases than in late-onset cases.
  • Colibactin exposure in early childhood leaves a distinct mutational signature, with such mutations accounting for about 15% of APC driver mutations in colorectal cancer.
  • Researchers analyzed 981 colorectal cancer genomes across 11 countries, identifying colibactin's role in early tumor development, often starting before age 10.
  • Efforts are underway to develop stool-based diagnostic tests for colibactin-related mutations to enable early detection of cancer risk.
  • Further studies are required to confirm causality, map exposure pathways, and explore preventive measures, including probiotics and dietary interventions.