Study Links Fusobacterium nucleatum from Gum Disease to Promotion of Breast Cancer in Preclinical Models
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have uncovered a potential connection between a common oral bacterium associated with periodontal disease, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and breast cancer development and progression. The study, published in Cell Communication and Signaling, demonstrates that this microbe can enter the bloodstream, colonize breast tissue, and contribute to cancer by inducing inflammation, causing DNA damage, and promoting erroneous DNA repair mechanisms that lead to mutations. In mouse models mimicking human breast cancer, introduction of the bacterium accelerated tumor growth, increased cell proliferation, and enhanced metastasis, particularly to the lungs. The research also highlighted heightened vulnerability in cells with BRCA1 gene mutations, which express more Gal-GalNAc surface sugars that facilitate bacterial attachment and internalization, allowing persistent effects across cell generations. These findings build on prior observational studies linking poor oral health to elevated breast cancer risk and suggest that F. nucleatum acts as an environmental factor that may interact with genetic predispositions to drive tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance. While the results emphasize the importance of oral hygiene, the authors stress that further human studies are required to determine if improving periodontal health could help mitigate breast cancer risks or progression. The work was supported by various foundations and grants focused on breast cancer research.
Study Links Fusobacterium nucleatum from Gum Disease to Promotion of Breast Cancer in Preclinical Models
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#gumdisease #breastcancer #fusobacteriumnucleatum
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