ELUCIDATION

Bacteria alter the function of driver mutations in colorectal cancer

01.05.2024 bis 30.04.2026

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types in Western societies and can be stratified into four molecular subtypes called consensus molecular subtype 1-4. These molecular subtypes are characterized by a distinct mutational profile, copy number changes, immune- or stromal cell infiltration and metabolic capacities. This stratification indicates that CRC is a multifactorial disease where different internal and external factors dynamically shape the development and progression of CRC. Genetic alterations are essential for the development of CRC. However, other factors such as immune cell- or metabolic- induced inflammation are well-recognized factors with both pro- and anti- tumorigenic properties in CRC. In recent years, the effect of the microbiome – billions of microbes colonizing our body surfaces – on CRC development and progression has received greater attention. In this project, we aim to understand how microbes and CRC cancer cells interact on a molecular basis and whether this shapes the evolution of CRC development.