Genomic analysis identifies association of Fusobacterium with colorectal carcinoma

The tumor microenvironment of colorectal carcinoma is a complex community of genomically altered cancer cells, nonneoplastic cells, and a diverse collection of microorganisms. Each of these components may contribute to carcinogenesis; however, the role of the microbiota is the least well understood. We have characterized the composition of the microbiota in colorectal carcinoma using whole genome sequences from nine tumor/normal pairs. Fusobacterium sequences were enriched in carcinomas, confirmed by quantitative PCR and 16S rDNA sequence analysis of 95 carcinoma/normal DNA pairs, while the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla were depleted in tumors. Fusobacteria were also visualized within colorectal tumors…

• DR
  Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
• AJ
  Albert J. Ryan Foundation
• UO
  University of Guelph
• BI
  Broad Institute

  Award: U54HG003067
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
• NH
  National Human Genome Research Institute

  Award: U54HG003067
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Awards: P50CA127003, R01CA154426