Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: one species with multiple potential implications in cancer research

Abstract

The gut microbiota is pivotal for maintaining health through beneficial symbiotic interaction with the host supporting the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal tract but also of the majority of extraintestinal organs. Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, which remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The colonisation or overgrowth of certain bacterial species at the expense of others has been implicated in tumorigenesis. For instance, Helicobacter pylori infection is known to cause chronic inflammation and significantly increases the risk of developing gastric cancer, while Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium nucleatum overgrowth have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Consequently, several microbiota-based strategies have been developed to regulate cancer progression, enhance immune responses towards tumorous cells and improve the effectiveness of current anticancer therapies.1 Among the most abundant bacteria in the healthy human gut microbiota, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , an anaerobic member of the Clostridium IV group, is significantly reduced in patients with different types of cancers.2 3 Several studies suggest that this species may have direct antitumour effects against breast cancer and CRC,3 4 or alternatively boost the response to chemotherapy, particularly the immune …