Gasdermin D promotes development of intestinal tumors through regulating IL-1β release and gut microbiota composition.

Abstract

The interplay between gut microbiota and host is crucial for maintaining host health. When this balance is broken, various diseases can arise, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism by which gut microbiota and host interactions mediate CRC development remains unclear. Here, we found that Gasdermin D (GSDMD), an inflammasome effector responsible for forming membrane pores to mediate cell pyroptosis, was upregulated in both human and mouse intestinal tumor samples. GSDMD deficiency significantly suppressed intestinal tumor development in Apc^min/+ mice, a spontaneous CRC mouse model. Apc^min/+Gsdmd^-/- mice exhibited reduced IL-1β release in the intestine, and the administration of recombinant mouse IL-1β partially restored intestinal tumor development in Apc^min/+Gsdmd^-/- mice. Moreover, 16s rRNA sequencing showed a substantial increase in Lactobacillus abundance in the feces of Apc^min/+Gsdmd^-/- mice compared to Apc^min/+ mice. Concurrently, Kynurenine (Kyn), a metabolite derived from host tryptophan (Trp) metabolism, was significantly decreased in the feces of Apc^min/+Gsdmd^-/- mice, as shown by metabolite analysis. Additionally, Kyn levels were inversely correlated with Lactobacillus abundance. Furthermore, the administration of exogenous Kyn also promoted intestinal tumor development in Apc^min/+Gsdmd^-/- mice. Thus, GSDMD promotes spontaneous CRC development through increasing IL-1β release and Kyn production. Our data suggest an association between GSDMD, gut microbiota, the host Trp/Kyn pathway, and CRC development.