Crosstalk between gut microbiota and Sirtuin-3 in colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis

• Main Authors: Yong Zhang, Xiao-lan Wang, Min Zhou, Chao Kang, He-dong Lang, Meng-ting Chen, Suo-cheng Hui, Bin Wang, Man-tian Mi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2018-04-01
• Series: Experimental and Molecular Medicine
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-017-0002-0

Colorectal cancer: Beneficial bacteria prompt anti-tumor gene response Boosting specific beneficial bacteria in the gut may enhance expression levels of a tumor-suppressing gene in colorectal cancer (CRC). Both genetic factors and the bacteria present in the gut play vital roles in CRC development. However, it is unclear exactly how genes interact with the bacteria to affect tumor growth. Man-tian Mi and co-workers at the Third Military Medical University in Chongqing, China, examined the role of a gene called Sirt-3 in CRC development. Mice lacking the Sirt-3 gene suffered severe chronic inflammation and developed tumors due to altered signalling pathways and reduced intestinal integrity. Further, the guts of the mice harboured more pathogenic bacteria than wild-type mice. The team also found lower levels of two key types of beneficial bacteria that would ordinarily prevent reduced Sirt-3 expression.