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Connection between the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer
Submission status
Open
Submission deadline
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the combined name of cancers starting in the colon and the rectum. While most common in older patients, CRC can develop at any age and is rising among young people. Research has shown that CRC is associated with dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota that alters microbial composition and function. The gut microbiota plays a vital role in regulating the immune system and barrier functions. Additionally, the microbiota's involvement in metabolizing food components, e.g., fiber, is crucial for gut health. In particular, metabolites generated during digestion can have either protective or carcinogenic effects on the colon. Understanding the relationship between gut dysbiosis and CRC has implications for therapeutic interventions, including probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, but also for mitigating risks such as therapy resistance.
This Collections seeks original research that continues to refine our understanding of the intricate connection between the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer.