CDM Researcher Seeks to Unravel the Microbial Link to Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While many factors contribute to its development, groundbreaking research by Dr. Yiping Han, a microbiologist at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, is shedding light on a surprising culprit: oral bacteria. Thanks to a new $2.9 million funding from the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Han is investigating how certain microbes from the oral cavity may drive the progression of CRC, offering hope for new therapeutic approaches.
At the heart of Dr. Han's research is Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium commonly found in the mouth. While not considered harmless in its natural environment, Fn can migrate to other parts of the body and transform into a dangerous pathogen. Dr. Han describes this phenomenon as the “mobile microbiome.” This bacterium is linked to various health issues, including reproductive infections, preterm births, and most notably, colorectal cancer.
One of Fn’s defining traits is its ability to evade the body’s defenses and thrive in hostile environments, such as the stomach. Dr. Han’s lab discovered that Fn achieves this feat through a unique protein called FadA. This adhesin converts into an amyloid-like form under stress and shields the bacterium from stomach acid. This transformation is pivotal, as it turns Fn from a benign organism into a virulent pathogen capable of causing disease.
Dr. Han’s research has shown that FadA plays a key role in the development of colorectal cancer. It binds to a protein on the surface of intestinal cells, which, in turn, drives cancer growth. Even more concerning, FadA targets cells expressing Annexin A1, a protein elevated in colorectal cancer. This interaction accelerates tumor growth and worsens patient prognosis.
The implications of these findings are profound. By understanding the interplay between Fn, FadA, and Annexin A1, Dr. Han’s team aims to uncover novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection and progression. Her NIH-funded project has two major goals: investigating the mechanisms through which FadA and Annexin A1 contribute to colorectal cancer and developing therapeutic strategies targeting these molecules.
“This research has substantial translational potential,” Dr. Han explains. “By targeting FadA or ANXA1, we can curb tumor growth and develop biomarkers to identify patients at higher risk, enabling earlier intervention.”
Dr. Han’s work, which marries microbiology, oncology, and molecular and cell biology, exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research. Beyond advancing our understanding of colorectal cancer, her findings highlight the broader role of microbes in systemic diseases, opening the door to innovative treatments.
Dr. Han’s goal is to transform how we view the relationship between bacteria, particularly oral bacteria, and cancer, in order to create more effective tools in the fight against colorectal cancer.