Research has revealed that an imbalance in the oral microbiome, particularly through periodontal pathogens, may influence the development of oral cancer.

Published in the International Journal of Oral Science, researchers from the Universidad de Concepción in Chile analysed the computational proteomic landscape of oral cancer.

The study uncovered how Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium frequently found in the oral cavity, interacts with host cells, promoting tumour growth and progression through distinct metabolic pathways.

The team identified key interactions between this common oral bacterium and host cells, unveiling important metabolic pathways and mechanisms that may serve as potential therapeutic targets. The findings could lead to more effective treatment strategies, potentially improving outcomes for patients suffering from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

OSCC remains one of the most prevalent and aggressive forms of oral cancer, with a notoriously poor prognosis. While risk factors like tobacco use and alcohol consumption have long been established, an emerging body of research highlights the significant role of oral microbiota in cancer progression.

The researchers have said that this study could have wide-reaching implications for the future of OSCC diagnosis and treatment. Targeting the metabolic pathways influenced by Fusobacterium nucleatum could hold the key to halting cancer progression while enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies.

Moreover, the study has reinforced the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent dysbiosis, which could contribute to cancer development.

Estefanía Nova-Lamperti, the lead researcher of the study, said, “Understanding the intricate interactions between oral bacteria and cancer cells is essential for advancing our approach to cancer treatment.

"Our study on Fusobacterium nucleatum provides a deeper understanding of how the oral microbiome influences OSCC progression, offering new potential for targeted therapies. By focusing on specific metabolic pathways, we can work to inhibit cancer progression and improve patient outcomes. This research underscores the need to integrate microbiome factors into cancer biology and treatment strategies.”

The study

The research team conducted a comprehensive proteomic analysis, comparing the secretome of OSCC patients to that of healthy controls. Their findings revealed a significant upregulation of host proteins related to the immune response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cell migration, and amino acid metabolism in cancerous samples.

Fusobacterium nucleatum was notably abundant in OSCC tissues and actively participated in the conversion of L-glutamate to butyrate, a metabolite known to foster cancer cell proliferation.

Moreover, the bacterium modulated the cystine/glutamate antiporter, boosting its activity to enhance bacterial infection and promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process crucial for cancer spread. This complex interplay between oral bacteria and cancer cells offered new insights into the molecular mechanisms of OSCC, presenting novel potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

The findings have opened the door for exploring the role of the oral microbiome in other forms of cancer, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic approaches.

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