The farnesoid X receptor and colon cancer

Abstract

Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death, primarily because of limited therapeutic options for those with advanced disease. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Besides its prominent role in bile acid synthesis, and lipoprotein and glucose metabolism, recent data indicate that FXR also plays a key role in regulating intestinal cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. Here, we review the role of FXR as a tumor suppressor in CRC, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying FXR-dependent tumorigenesis and its regulation, FXR-bile acid relationships and FXR-targeted drugs as potential therapeutic agents.

Beneficial bile acid metabolism from Lactobacillus plantarum of food origin

“…The FXR is preferentially stimulated by the specific free and secondary BAs that our strains facilitate to accumulate. FXR activity is considered protective against colorectal cancer suggesting that BA deconjugation may enhance the anti-cancer effects of FXR 67 . Activation of TGR5, by taurine conjugated secondary BAs: TDCA and TLCA, conjugates that remain intact in the presence of the Lb.…”

Targeting Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) for developing novel therapeutics against cancer

“…In addition to its normal function, the high expression of FXR was found to positively regulate the cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth, which might involve the activation of several oncogenes like cyclin D1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [ 41 ]. In contrast, FXR also acts as a tumour suppressor in intestinal tumours, and its low expression led to increased tumour growth [ 42 ]. It suggests the dual role of FXR as a proto-oncogene or tumour suppressor gene depending upon its tissue function [ 41 ].…”