Dissecting the Role of Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Our investigation provides a critical examination of the gut microbiota's role in colorectal cancer (CRC), employing state-of-the-art high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to uncover the distinct microbial communities associated with CRC. The study reveals significant dysbiosis in CRC patients, characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity and an enrichment of pathogenic bacteria. These microbiological alterations present as unique signatures, distinguishing CRC patients from healthy individuals with notable clarity. Highlighting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers, these microbial signatures offer a new avenue for early CRC detection, which is pivotal for improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the study's findings point toward the therapeutic potential of microbiota modulation, suggesting that targeting these microbial discrepancies could become a novel strategy in CRC management. The implications of this research are far-reaching, setting a foundation for future explorations into the microbiota's diagnostic and therapeutic applications in CRC.