Colorectal metabolic profile

The colorectal metabolic profile represents the collective signature of small-molecule metabolites within the colon or systemic circulation that reflects the tissue's metabolic state [1]. In colorectal cancer (CRC), this profile is typically marked by metabolic reprogramming, including increased glycolysis (Warburg effect), altered lipid biosynthesis, and dysregulated amino acid metabolism [4, 7]. This metabolic landscape is often used as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker panel to distinguish between healthy tissue, adenomatous polyps, and malignant tumors, often providing higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional clinical markers like CEA or CA19-9 [2, 5]. While the profile itself is an investigative readout rather than a discrete targetable protein, its comprehensive analysis has led to the identification of specific actionable therapeutic targets, such as adenosylhomocysteinase (AHCY) [1, 3]. Furthermore, the profile is heavily modulated by the interactions between the host, the gut microbiota, and dietary intake, making it a critical tool for monitoring the efficacy of nutritional or microbiome-based interventions [11, 15].

Other names

Metabolic signature of colorectal cancerColorectal cancer metabolomeIntestinal metabolic landscape

Not applicable; this is a diagnostic profile or phenotypic state rather than a discrete therapeutic target molecule.