Fusobacterium nucleatum — symbiont, opportunist and oncobacterium
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 ni...
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Published in | Nature reviews. Microbiology Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 156 - 166 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
London
Nature Publishing Group UK
01.03.2019
Nature Publishing Group |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | 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. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-3 content type line 23 ObjectType-Review-1 Both authors researched data for the article, made substantial contributions to discussions of the content, wrote the article and reviewed and edited the manuscript before submission. Author contributions |
ISSN: | 1740-1526 1740-1534 |
DOI: | 10.1038/s41579-018-0129-6 |