Review
Immunology
Zhixing He, Wei Tian, Qichun Wei, Jing Xu
Summary: Fusobacterium nucleatum is associated with the development and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Limited data is available on its role in other malignancies. Preliminary evidence suggests that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inflammation triggered by F. nucleatum may be linked to the initiation of oral/head and neck cancer.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xusheng Zhang, Dou Yu, Di Wu, Xintong Gao, Fei Shao, Min Zhao, Jiang Wang, Jiangwen Ma, Wenzhao Wang, Xiwen Qin, Yi Chen, Pengyan Xia, Shuo Wang
Summary: Gut microbiota plays a vital role in colorectal cancer progression, with tissue-resident commensal bacteria affecting CRC immune surveillance. This study identified specific bacteria in both normal and tumor colon tissues of CRC patients, showing an enrichment of Lachnospiraceae family in normal tissues and of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Pep-tostreptococcus anaerobius in tumor tissues. The tissue-resident Rg and Bp bacteria were found to inhibit colon tumor growth and enhance the activation of CD8+ T cells, promoting immune surveillance function. These bacteria degraded lyso-glycerophospholipids that inhibited CD8+ T cell activity, and their injection abrogated lyso-glycerophospholipid-induced tumor growth.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Lijun Hu, Yan Liu, Xuehua Kong, Rui Wu, Qi Peng, Yan Zhang, Lan Zhou, Liang Duan
Summary: The research found that Fusobacterium nucleatum infection is closely associated with the development of colorectal cancer, primarily by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages to exacerbate tumor malignancy. S100A9 is a key signaling molecule that regulates the activation of M2 macrophages. Targeting the TLR4/NF-kappa B/S100A9 cascade may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for Fusobacterium nucleatum-associated colorectal cancer.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cody A. Despins, Scott D. Brown, Avery Robinson, Andrew J. Mungall, Emma Allen-Vercoe, Robert A. Holt
Summary: The study found that F. nucleatum-induced host cell transcriptional modulation involves strong upregulation of genes related to immune migration and inflammatory processes, in addition to identifying genes strongly upregulated in a cell line-specific manner. Furthermore, extensive host cell epigenomic changes specific to host cell type were observed upon F. nucleatum exposure.
Article
Biology
Jesus Perez-Hernandez, Clarisa Retana-Gonzalez, Espiridion Ramos-Martinez, Jose Cruz-Colin, Andres Saralegui-Amaro, Gabriela Baltazar-Rosario, Concepcion Gutierrez-Ruiz, Gerardo Aristi-Urista, Rosario Lopez-Vancell
Summary: Amoebiasis in humans is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which interacts with the c-Met receptor on the surface of HepG2 cells through its Gal/GalNAc lectin, leading to cytotoxic effects.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Brenda P. F. A. Gomes, Juliana D. Bronzato, Rebecca F. Almeida-Gomes, Ericka T. Pinheiro, Ezilmara L. R. Sousa, Rogerio C. Jacinto
Summary: This study evaluated the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum in primary and secondary endodontic infections in a Brazilian population using both culture and nested PCR methods. The results showed a higher detection rate of F. nucleatum in primary infections compared to secondary ones, with nested PCR method detecting a higher prevalence. The presence of F. nucleatum was associated with various clinical features in root canals.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Caihan Duan, Xuelian Tang, Weijun Wang, Wei Qian, Xiaochao Fu, Xiaohua Deng, Shunchang Zhou, Chaoqun Han, Xiaohua Hou
Summary: The study reveals that L. rhamnosus can alleviate inflammation induced by F. nucleatum and restore impaired autophagic flux. Inhibition of autophagy weakens the effects of L. rhamnosus, with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway being involved in this process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaohui Li, Yanmei Ma, Youtao Xin, Feihe Ma, Hui Gao
Summary: Researchers have developed an acidity-responsive nanomaterial that specifically targets tumors and eliminates Fusobacterium nucleatum, thus improving cancer treatment. The nanomaterial shows good stability under physiological conditions and releases drugs in acidic tumor microenvironments. It can efficiently target tumor cells and eliminate both extracellular and intracellular bacteria. The on-site drug delivery overcomes chemoresistance and significantly inhibits tumor growth. The nanomaterial also demonstrates good biocompatibility and promising antibacterial and antitumor activities for the treatment of bacterial infected tumors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mirela Cesar Barros, Victor Feliz Pedrinha, Marcia Sirlene Zardin Graeff, Clovis Monteiro Bramante, Marco Antonio Hungaro Duarte, Flaviana Bombarda de Andrade
Summary: This study tested and validated a new protocol for in vitro contamination of dentinal tubules using F. nucleatum and evaluated the effectiveness of NaOCl and CLX as endodontic irrigants on the biofilm. The results showed that the new contamination protocol resulted in a high and homogeneous percentage of viable bacteria in the dentinal tubules, and 2.5% NaOCl had a strong inhibitory effect on bacterial viability.
Article
Microbiology
Ning Ding, Yikun Cheng, Huijuan Liu, Yueguang Wu, Yongjia Weng, Heyang Cui, Chen Cheng, Weimin Zhang, Yongping Cui
Summary: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant upper digestive tract cancer with poorly understood pathogenesis and etiology. The esophageal microbiota, specifically Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), has been found to have a higher abundance in ESCC tumors, and high abundance of Fn is correlated with shorter survival. In vitro experiments showed that Fn can invade ESCC cells and enhance their proliferation by producing high levels of putrescine, which disturbs polyamine metabolism. This study suggests that Fn infection promotes ESCC progression by disrupting the polyamine metabolism pathway.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Pengfei Wang, Xuxu Liu, Jingjing Yu, Ziang Meng, Zhenyi Lv, Ce Shang, Qi Geng, Dawei Wang, Dongbo Xue, Long Li
Summary: In this study, abnormal expression of FUTs in COAD was found and high expression of FUTs was associated with patient prognosis. Functional analysis revealed the association of FUTs with the tumor microenvironment of COAD. Furthermore, Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes COAD progression through the miR-939-3p/FUT1/MUC2 axis. Therefore, Fucosyltransferases play a crucial role in COAD.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bhaskar Kumar, Stephen Lam, Mina Adam, Rachel Gilroy, Mark J. Pallen
Summary: This article discusses the potential importance of the oesophageal microbiome and introduces new research methods that offer hope for a comprehensive description of this microbial community.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tingting Yu, Ling Ji, Liqin Lou, Shiqing Ye, Xiaoting Fang, Chen Li, Feizhao Jiang, Hongchang Gao, Yongliang Lou, Xiang Li
Summary: This study examined the composition of intestinal flora and their metabolites in CRC patients, and found that the alteration of intestinal flora can affect the concentrations of metabolites such as lactic acid and propionic acid, which in turn impact the apoptosis of CRC cells and the progression of CRC.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Han Yin, Zhuangzhuang Miao, Lu Wang, Beibei Su, Chaofan Liu, Yu Jin, Bili Wu, Hu Han, Xianglin Yuan
Summary: This study investigated the contribution of F. nucleatum to the microbiota-liver axis of CRC in mice, and found that F. nucleatum may promote CRC liver metastasis by triggering liver immunity through the regulation of gut microbiota structure and composition.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Fabrice Neiers, Karine Gourrat, Francis Canon, Mathieu Schwartz
Summary: This study found that enzymes present in saliva metabolize cysteine into odorant thiol metabolites, potentially involving carbon-sulfur lyases from oral microbiota. Through phylogenetic analysis and identification of putative targets, the researchers determined the possible mechanism of this metabolic process. They also discovered several inhibitors that can reduce the release of odorant sulfur compounds in the oral cavity.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liad Hinden, Aviram Kogot-Levin, Joseph Tam, Gil Leibowitz
Summary: Diabetes kidney disease is a major healthcare problem that leads to end-stage kidney disease and high mortality. Recent studies suggest that kidney proximal tubule cells play a central role in the pathophysiology of this disease by being exposed to nutrient overload, which can lead to tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Pharmacological treatments that modulate nutrient sensing and signaling in these cells have shown to have protective effects on the kidney.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reem Smoum, Christeene Haj, Shira Hirsch, Alina Nemirovski, Zhannah Yekhtin, Benny Bogoslavsky, Gaganjyot Kaur Bakshi, Mukesh Chourasia, Ruth Gallily, Joseph Tam, Raphael Mechoulam
Summary: A series of novel cannabinoid derivatives were synthesized and found to have high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 receptor. One of the synthesized derivatives showed high affinity and selectivity for the human CB2 receptor.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elad Ben-Cnaan, Anna Permyakova, Shahar Azar, Shira Hirsch, Saja Baraghithy, Liad Hinden, Joseph Tam
Summary: Obesity is a global medical problem, with diet and genetics being the main factors. Current treatment options are limited, but the synthetic CBDA derivative EPM301 shows potential in weight reduction and metabolic improvements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Tamar Alon-Maimon, Ofer Mandelboim, Gilad Bachrach
Summary: Accumulating evidence suggests that the oral pathobiont Fusobacterium nucleatum plays a crucial role in the progression of various tumor types by enhancing tumor proliferation, creating a tumor-promoting immune environment, inducing chemoresistance, and activating immune checkpoints. This review focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying tumor-specific colonization and promotion by fusobacteria, which could lead to the development of novel approaches for tumor detection and treatment.
PERIODONTOLOGY 2000
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shimrit Heiliczer, Asaf Wilensky, Tal Gaver, Olga Georgiev, Sharleen Hamad, Alina Nemirovski, Rivka Hadar, Yair Sharav, Doron J. Aframian, Joseph Tam, Yaron Haviv
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a role in pain processes, and specific salivary endocannabinoids may serve as biomarkers for chronic orofacial pain (OFP). Salivary samples showed signature eCB profiles for major OFP disorders, providing potential for more accurate diagnoses and management of patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Galinanes, Kelly Casos, Arnau Blasco-Lucas, Eduard Permanyer, Rafael Manez, Thierry Le Tourneau, Jordi Barquinero, Simo Schwartz, Tomaso Bottio, Jean Christian Roussel, Imen Fellah-Hebia, Thomas Senage, Arturo Evangelista, Luigi P. Badano, Alejandro Ruiz-Majoral, Cesare Galli, Vered Padler-Karavani, Jean-Paul Soulillou, Xavier Vidal, Emanuele Cozzi, Cristina Costa
Summary: This study investigated the oxidative stress markers in patients with bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) and their association with structural valve deterioration (SVD). The results suggest that oxidative stress may play a significant role in SVD and may change over time.
Article
Biology
Ran Abuhasira, Shahar Azar, Alina Nemirovski, Joseph Tam, Victor Novack
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of exogenous herbal medical cannabis use on the components of the endocannabinoid system among older adults with a diagnosis of hypertension. The study found that on average, cannabis treatment for 3 months does not result in a significant change in the levels of endogenous cannabinoids and thus has a safe metabolic risk profile.
Article
Cell Biology
Majdoleen Ahmad, Ifat Abramovich, Bella Agranovich, Alina Nemirovski, Eyal Gottlieb, Liad Hinden, Joseph Tam
Summary: Tubulopathy is crucial in the pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), particularly the role of GLUT2 in promoting glucose reabsorption and glucotoxicity, as well as regulating SGLT2 expression in kidney proximal tubule cells (KPTCs). Reduction/deletion of KPTC-GLUT2 has shown promising results in ameliorating DKD, making it a potential therapeutic target. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of GLUT2 in KPTCs remain unclear.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ariel Rothner, Tom Gov, Liad Hinden, Alina Nemirovski, Joseph Tam, Barak Rosenzweig
Summary: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) during partial nephrectomy (PN) can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known to regulate renal hemodynamics and IR injury in rodent studies, but its clinical relevance is still unclear. This study assessed the changes in systemic endocannabinoid (eCB) levels induced by surgical renal IR in 16 patients. Baseline eCB levels were positively correlated with kidney dysfunction biomarkers. While renal ischemia did not affect eCB levels in all patients, non-obese patients showed an increase in N-acylethanolamines. Obese patients had higher baseline levels of N-acylethanolamines, which were positively correlated with BMI and had more cases of post-surgery AKI. These findings suggest further research on the role of the ECS in renal IR is warranted, considering the inefficiency of traditional preventative drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Permyakova, Ariel Rothner, Sarah Knapp, Alina Nemirovski, Danny Ben-Zvi, Joseph Tam
Summary: This study investigates the impact of obesity on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in renal function, revealing that obese patients exhibit kidney damage, increased activity of endocannabinoid synthesizing and degrading enzymes, and reduced expression of cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) in the kidney. The findings enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay among obesity, the ECS, and kidney function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, Research & Experimental
George Kunos, Tony Jourdan, Joseph Tam
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)