The Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer - from mechanistic insights to clinical applications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major malignancies in the western world and evolves through a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The gut microbiota is sensitive to lifestyle changes including diet and found to be altered in patients with CRC.

Increasing evidence implicates gut microbes in several aspects of CRC disease biology, but many questions remain as to the mechanisms involved and the clinical importance.

In this project we aim to:Define how the intestinal microbiome alters CRC progression and clinical outcome, with a focus on the importance of destructive changes in the intestinal mucosa and inflammation.To explore the interactions between microbes and host cells and the mechanisms involved using advanced imaging and state-of-the-art mouse mucosal and human organoid model systems.To identify markers for CRC diagnosis and outcome, as well as potential novel strategies for future therapy.Our research constellation has a true translational setup including several senior researchers with very broad expertise ranging from preclinical to clinical disciplines.

We will analyze the microbiota on a wide front, utilising ex vivo experimental approaches and unique patient cohorts.

Because of the modifiable nature of the gut microbiota, a better molecular understanding of the interactions of the microbiota with CRC progression and clinical outcome, has the potential to lead to significant advances in precision medicine.