Downregulation of the farnesoid X receptor promotes colorectal tumorigenesis by facilitating enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis colonization.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. The downregulation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is frequently founded in CRC patients. The current study found that the decreased expression of FXR in colorectal cancer leads to disorders of bile acids (BAs) metabolism. The altered BAs profile shaped distinct intestinal flora and positively regulated secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The dual regulation of BAs and sIgA enhanced adhesion and biofilm formation of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), which has a colorectal tumorigenesis effect. The abundance of ETBF increased significantly in intestinal mucosa of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) mice, and finally promoted the development of colorectal cancer. This study suggests that downregulation of FXR in CRC results in BAs dysregulation, and BAs have strong effects on sIgA and gut flora. The elevated BAs concentration and altered gut microbiome are risk factors for CRC.
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