Impact of <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> on immune cell interactions and gene expression in colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern. The presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) in CRC can promote cancer progression by modulating the immune response and creating an immunosuppressive environment.

Methods

A cohort of 107 patients with localized CRC treated between 2005 and 2017 was analyzed, categorizing tumors as Fn-positive (Fn⁺) or Fn-negative (Fn^-) using quantitative PCR. Patient characteristics, tumor characteristics and survival data were compared between groups. We further performed bulk RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis to explore differential gene expression between Fn⁺ and Fn^- CRC. Spatial immune cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment were characterized

SUBMITTER: Heregger R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12460317 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature