Role and Mechanism of Fusobacterium Nucleatum in Oral Mucosal Carcinogenesis

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2024.05.001

Abstract

Abstract: Oral mucosal carcinogenesis is a serious health issue involving multiple factors in its onset and progression. In recent years, fusobacterium nucleatum (F.nucleatum), as a part of the oral microbiota, has been considered as one of the infectious agents playing a significant role in various cancers. This review aims to comprehensively explore the role and mechanisms of F.nucleatum in oral mucosal carcinogenesis. Through the analysis of clinical and molecular biology studies, we found that F.nucleatum is closely related to the occurrence and development of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Specifically, this bacterium can modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, promote cell proliferation and invasion, and activate immune checkpoints. Additionally, F.nucleatum may serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for oral cancer. However, research in this field still faces challenges such as insufficient sample size, strong patient specificity, and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. Future studies are needed to further reveal its mechanisms and explore its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of oral cancer.

Key words: Fusobacterium nucleatum, oral mucosal carcinogenesis, tumor immune microenvironment, cell proliferation, cell invasion, immune checkpoints

QUBIE Fangfang, JIANG Lu. Role and Mechanism of Fusobacterium Nucleatum in Oral Mucosal Carcinogenesis[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2024, 40(5): 379-384.

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