Metabolic Alteration of MCF-7 Cells upon Indirect Exposure to E. coli Secretome: A Model of Studying the Microbiota Effect on Human Breast Tissue

According to studies, the microbiome may contribute to the emergence and spread of breast cancer. E. coli is one of the Enterobacteriaceae family recently found to be present as part of the breast tissue microbiota. In this study, we focused on the effect of E. coli secretome free of cells on MCF-7 metabolism. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics was used to study the E. coli secretome and its role in MCF-7 intra- and extracellular metabolites. A comparison was made between secretome-exposed cells and unexposed controls. Our analysis revealed significant alterations in 31 intracellular and 55 extracellular metabolites following secretome exposure. Several metabolic pathways, including lactate, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and energy metabolism, were found to be dysregulated upon E. coli secretome exposure. E. coli can alter the breast cancer cells' metabolism through its secretome which disrupts key metabolic pathways of MCF-7 cells. These microbial metabolites from the secretome hold promise as biomarkers of drug resistance or innovative approaches for cancer treatment, either as standalone therapies or in combination with other medicines.

Automated summary

According to studies, the microbiome, specifically E. coli, can alter the metabolism of breast cancer cells through its secretome by disrupting key metabolic pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics was used to analyze the intracellular and extracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells exposed to E. coli secretome. Significant alterations in 31 intracellular and 55 extracellular metabolites were observed, indicating the dysregulation of several metabolic pathways. These microbial metabolites from the secretome hold promise as biomarkers for drug resistance or innovative approaches for cancer treatment.