Fusobacterium

Fusobacterium is a genus of anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacteria that are commensal inhabitants of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract (StatPearls, 2023). Among its species, Fusobacterium nucleatum is the most clinically significant, acting as an opportunistic pathogen linked to periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In oncology, Fusobacterium is recognized for its role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), where it promotes tumor cell proliferation and survival by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway via its FadA adhesin (Rubinstein et al., 2013, Cell Host & Microbe). It also contributes to immune evasion by utilizing the Fap2 protein to inhibit Natural Killer (NK) cells and T-cell activity through the TIGIT receptor (Gur et al., 2015, Immunity). Current therapeutic approaches focus on the use of antibiotics like metronidazole to reduce bacterial load, although emerging strategies aim to target specific virulence factors or utilize phage therapy to minimize collateral damage to the healthy microbiome (Brennan & Garrett, 2019, Nature Reviews Cancer).

Other names

FusobacteriaFusobacterium species

Inhibition of DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, or cell wall synthesis depending on the antibiotic class used to target the bacteria.