Gastroenterology

Impeding Quorum Sensing Among the Intestinal Microbiota Impacts the Metastatic Rate of Colorectal Cancer

Ethan Littlefield

05 Jul 2025 — 1 min read

PMCID: PMC12177794

PMID: 40536191

DOI: 10.1002/cam4.71009

Journal: Cancer medicine

Publication Date: 2025-6-19

Authors: Dietz M, Gates TJ, Sikdar R, Subramanian S, Elias MH, et al.

Key Points

QQ lactonase treatment demonstrated sex-specific effects on CRC metastasis
Male mice treated with SsoPox showed 0% metastasis compared to 30% in control group
Potential for developing novel CRC therapies targeting bacterial communication systems

Summary

This preclinical study investigated the role of quorum quenching (QQ) lactonases in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis, revealing striking sex-specific differences in treatment response. Using a mouse model of aggressive CRC with multiple genetic mutations, researchers found that QQ treatment with SsoPox enzyme dramatically reduced metastasis in male mice (0% metastasis) while paradoxically increasing metastatic potential in female mice (100% metastasis rate).

Notably, the QQ treatment minimally impacted the gut microbiome composition, inflammatory markers, and short-chain fatty acid production. The researchers hypothesize that the divergent responses may be linked to sex-specific endocrine interactions, potentially involving testosterone and estradiol levels, which could modulate bacterial quorum sensing and cancer progression. While the study is preliminary and limited by sample size, it suggests a promising avenue for developing targeted CRC therapies that exploit microbial communication mechanisms.

Status and associated factors of psychological resilience of Chinese medical aid team members under public health emergencies in a cross-sectional study

PMCID: PMC12173397 PMID: 40526630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324952 Journal: PloS one Publication Date: 2025-6-17 Authors: Wei X, Liang Y, Huang J Key Points * Psychological resilience is significantly influenced by professional experience, family support, and cultural adaptation * 53.9% of CMATMs reported experiencing loneliness, which negatively impacted psychological resilience

Structured light imaging mesoscopy: detection of embedded morphological changes in superficial tissues

PMCID: PMC12175002 PMID: 40534904 DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.30.6.065001 Journal: Journal of biomedical optics Publication Date: 2025-6-18 Authors: Parsanasab M, Mehendale AM, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Venugopalan V Key Points * SLIM provides a novel, non-invasive method for detecting subsurface tissue microstructural changes * Optimal imaging parameters vary significantly

Experimental evolution of a pathogen confronted with innate immune memory increases variation in virulence

PMCID: PMC12176410 PMID: 40532126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012839 Journal: PLoS pathogens Publication Date: 2025-6-18 Authors: Korša A, Baur M, Schulz NK, Anaya-Rojas JM, Mellmann A, et al. Key Points * Immune priming creates selective pressure that increases pathogen virulence variability without compromising host defense mechanisms * 96.6% probability of

Long‐Term or Recurrent Antibiotic Use in Early Life and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Population‐Based Prospective Cohort and a Case–Control Study

PMCID: PMC12176498 PMID: 40533417 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.70113 Journal: Journal of diabetes Publication Date: 2025-6-18 Authors: Li Z, He Q, He X, Xing X, Fu S, et al. Key Points * Long-term or recurrent antibiotic use during childhood may significantly increase type 2 diabetes risk * 26% higher hazard ratio for