Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced imbalance in microbiome-derived butyric acid levels promotes the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer

Sep 21, 2026

Colorectal cancer remains among the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, and Fusobacterium nucleatum is implicated in initiation, progression, and prognosis. This study tests whether F. nucleatum drives CRC onset and development by altering intestinal butyric acid derived from microbiome fermentation. In BALB/c mice, oral F. nucleatum shifts butyrate-producing bacteria and butyric acid levels; in DLD-1 and HCT116 cells sodium butyrate impairs mitochondrial function and activates AMPK, suppressing proliferation, with AMPK dependence confirmed by siRNA.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

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| W | J | G | World Journal of
Gastroenterology | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Gastroenterol 2024 April 14; 30(14): 2018-2037 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i14.2018 ISSN 1007-9327 (print) ISSN 2219-2840 (online) ORIGINAL ARTICLE Basic Study Fusobacterium nucleatum-induced imbalance in microbiome-derived butyric acid levels promotes the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer Qi-Long Wu, Xiao-Ting Fang, Xin-Xin Wan, Qing-Yong Ding, Yan-Jun Zhang, Ling Ji, Yong-Liang Lou, Xiang Li Specialty type: Gastroenterology and hepatology Provenance and peer review: Unsolicited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s scientific quality classification Grade A (Excellent): 0 Grade B (Very good): B, B Grade C (Good): 0 Grade D (Fair): 0 Grade E (Poor): 0 P-Reviewer: Jordan P, Portugal Received: October 31, 2023 Peer-review started: October 31, 2023 First decision: December 15, 2023 Revised: January 11, 2024 Accepted: February 29, 2024 Article in press: February 29, 2024 Published online: April 14, 2024 Qi-Long Wu, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China Xiao-Ting Fang, Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China Xin-Xin Wan, Qing-Yong Ding, Yan-Jun Zhang, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China Ling Ji, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China Yong-Liang Lou, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Institute of One Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China Xiang Li, Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Institute of One Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China Corresponding author: Xiang Li, PhD, Associate Professor, Deputy Director, Postdoc, Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Institute of One Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Qiuzhen Road, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, [China.](China. yhx2008@163.com)[ yhx2008@163.com](China. yhx2008@163.com) Abstract BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors globally. Recent reports suggest that Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) contributes to the initiation, progression, and prognosis of CRC. Butyrate, a shortchain fatty acid derived from the bacterial fermentation of soluble dietary fiber, is WJG [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 2018 April 14, 2024 Volume 30 Issue 14 Wu QL et al. F. nucleatum promotes CRC development known to inhibit various cancers. This study is designed to explore whether F. nucleatum influences the onset and progression of CRC by impacting the intestinal metabolite butyric acid. AIM To investigate the mechanism by which F. nucleatum affects CRC occurrence and development. METHODS Alterations in the gut microbiota of BALB/c mice were observed following the oral administration of F. nucleatum. Additionally, DLD-1 and HCT116 cell lines were exposed to sodium butyrate (NaB) and F. nucleatum in vitro to examine the effects on proliferative proteins and mitochondrial function. RESULTS Our re

FAQs

What is the study investigating about Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer?

It investigates whether Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes colorectal cancer occurrence and development by impacting intestinal metabolite butyric acid.

What changes occur in mice after oral administration of Fusobacterium nucleatum?

Fusobacterium nucleatum colonization decreases butyrate-producing bacteria, leading to altered butyric acid levels.

How does sodium butyrate affect colorectal cancer cells in the study?

Sodium butyrate impairs mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential, modulates ATP and reactive oxygen species, triggers AMPK signaling, blocks the cell cycle, and reduces proliferation.

Sep 21, 2026

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