Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Drives the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The gut microbiota is a diverse community of microbes that maintain the stability of the intestinal environment. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been linked to gastrointestinal diseases, such as colorectal cancer (CRC) – a leading cause of death for cancer patients. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Candidate pathogens have been identified using bacterial culture and high-throughput sequencing techniques. Currently, there is evidence to show that specific intestinal microbes drive CRC development and progression, yet their pathogenic mechanisms are still unclear. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> In this review, we describe the known healthy gut microbiota and its changes in CRC. We especially focus on exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of gut microbiota dysbiosis in CRC. This is crucial for explaining how gut microbiota dysbiosis drives the process of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Evaluation of changes in the gut microbiota during CRC development and progression offers a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.