Bacterial driver-passenger model in biofilms: a new mechanism in the development of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease of the intestinal epithelium and ranks the third largest diagnosed malignancy in the world. Many studies have shown that the high risk of CRC is believed to be related to the formation of biofilms. To prove causation, it will be significant to decipher which specific bacteria in biofilms initiate and maintain CRC and fully describe their underlying mechanisms. Here we introduce a bacterial driver-passenger model. This model added a novel and compelling angle to the role of microorganisms, putting more emphasis on the transformation of bacterial composition in biofilms which play different roles in the development of CRC. In this model, bacterial drivers can initiate the formation of CRC through genotoxicity, while bacterial passengers maintain the CRC process through metabolites. On the basis of these pathogens, we further turned our attention to strategies that can inhibit and eradicate these pathogenic biofilms, with the aim of finding new ways to hinder colorectal carcinogenesis.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease of the intestinal epithelium and its high risk is believed to be related to the formation of biofilms. In this study, a bacterial driver-passenger model was introduced to explore the role of microorganisms in CRC development. Bacterial drivers initiate CRC formation through genotoxicity, while bacterial passengers maintain the CRC process through metabolites. Strategies to inhibit and eradicate pathogenic biofilms are explored to find new approaches for hindering colorectal carcinogenesis.