The pks+ chromosome sequence found in the bacterium Escherichia coli (E.coli) appears to contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. In particular, there would be a link between mutations associated with its presence and alterations in certain genes that are characteristic of this type of cancer. This discovery could open up innovative possibilities for preventive strategies and personalised therapies, particularly in view of the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, especially in young adults.
This is the conclusion of a study entitled "Contribution of pks+ E.coli mutations to colorectal carcinogenesis", which has just been published in Nature Communications and was carried out thanks to the collaboration between The Institute of Cancer Research (London), Human Technopole and the University of Milan-Bicocca. The research team was led by Bingjie Chen (London), Daniele Ramazzotti (Milano-Bicocca), Trevor A. Graham (London) and Andrea Sottoriva (Human Technopole).