Parvimonas micra forms a distinct bacterial network with oral pathobionts in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests a significant role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In particular, an over-representation of oral pathogens has been linked to CRC. The aim of this study was to further investigate the faecal microbial landscape of CRC patients, with a focus on the oral pathogens Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum. METHODS: In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted using faecal samples from CRC patients (n = 275) and controls without pathological findings (n = 95). RESULTS: We discovered a significant difference in microbial composition depending on tumour location and microsatellite instability (MSI) status, with P. micra, F. nucleatum, and Peptostreptococcus stomatis found to be more abundant in patients with MSI tumours. Moreover, P. micra and F. nucleatum were associated with a cluster of CRC-related bacteria including Bacteroides fragilis as well as with other oral pathogens such as P. stomatis and various Porphyromonas species. This cluster was distinctly different in the control group, suggesting its potential linkage with CRC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a similar distribution of several CRC-associated bacteria within CRC patients, underscoring the importance of considering the concomitant presence of bacterial species in studies investigating the mechanisms of CRC development and progression.