Microbiota dysbiosis triggers intestinal cancer stemness

Scientists at National Taiwan University College of Medicine have discovered that cancer formation is not simply caused by gene mutations.

Colorectal cancers primarily originate from epithelial cells that form adenocarcinomas at the interface between the host and microbiota.

In addition to genetic mutations, the trillions of microbes in the gut environment, termed microbiota or microbiome, play important roles in cancer development.

The microbiome is now regarded as a promising therapeutic target, in addition to controlling host factors, for managing colon cancer. ...