Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane receptors (Fn OMRs)

Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane receptors (OMRs) are a group of surface-exposed proteins, primarily adhesins and porins, that mediate the interaction between the Gram-negative bacterium F. nucleatum and host cells. Key members include FadA, which binds to host E-cadherin to activate oncogenic Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, and Fap2, which binds to Gal-GalNAc on tumor cells and the inhibitory receptor TIGIT on immune cells to facilitate colonization and immune evasion. These proteins are critical for the bacterium's role as an opportunistic pathogen in colorectal cancer (CRC), where they promote tumor progression, inflammation, and chemoresistance. Additionally, OMRs like RadD and FomA are involved in interspecies co-aggregation and biofilm formation in periodontal diseases. Therapeutic strategies targeting these receptors include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines designed to disrupt bacterial adhesion or neutralize their immunosuppressive effects.

Other names

Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane proteinsFn OMPsFusobacterium adhesinsFusobacterium adhesin A (FadA)Fusobacterium adhesin protein 2 (Fap2)Arginine-specific adhesin (RadD)Fusobacterium outer membrane protein A (FomA)CmpA

Inhibition of bacterial adhesion and invasion, blockade of oncogenic signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt/beta-catenin), and neutralization of immune checkpoint interactions (e.g., Fap2-TIGIT) to restore anti-tumor immunity and reduce bacterial colonization.