Fusobacterium nucleatum — symbiont, opportunist and oncobacterium

• Published in: Nature reviews. Microbiology Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 156 - 166
• Main Authors: Brennan, Caitlin A., Garrett, Wendy S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.03.2019; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 631/326/2565/107; 631/326/2565/2134; 631/326/41/2531; 692/4020/1503/1504/1885; Biofilms; Biological evolution; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cancer; Carcinogenesis; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal Neoplasms - microbiology; Fusobacterium Infections; Fusobacterium nucleatum; Fusobacterium nucleatum - genetics; Fusobacterium nucleatum - pathogenicity; Fusobacterium nucleatum - physiology; Genetic aspects; Genetic research; Gram-negative bacteria; Host Microbial Interactions; Host-bacteria relationships; Humans; Infection; Infectious Diseases; Life Sciences; Medical Microbiology; Microbiology; Microbiota; Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms); Microorganisms; Mouth - microbiology; Opportunistic infections; Parasitology; Physiological aspects; Review Article; Symbiosis; Taxonomy; Therapeutics; Virology
• ISSN: 1740-1526; 1740-1534
• DOI: 10.1038/s41579-018-0129-6

Fusobacterium nucleatum has long been found to cause opportunistic infections and has recently been implicated in colorectal cancer; however, it is a common member of the oral microbiota and can have a symbiotic relationship with its hosts. To address this dissonance, we explore the diversity and niches of fusobacteria and reconsider historic fusobacterial taxonomy in the context of current technology. We also undertake a critical reappraisal of fusobacteria with a focus on F. nucleatum as a mutualist, infectious agent and oncogenic microorganism. In this Review, we delve into recent insights and future directions for fusobacterial research, including the current genetic toolkit, our evolving understanding of its mechanistic role in promoting colorectal cancer and the challenges of developing diagnostics and therapeutics for F. nucleatum . In this Review, Brennan and Garrett discuss the multifaceted associations of Fusobacterium nucleatum with its human host that range from symbiotic in oral biofilms to potential infectious pathogen at several sites and cancer-promoting member of the microbiota in the gut.