Understanding microbiota-driven oncogenesis: The role of metabolites in tumorigenesis

Summary: The gut microbiota profoundly influence human health through its composition and metabolic activity, which are shaped by diet and host factors. Disruption of this equilibrium, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in cancer development. Microbial metabolites act as key mediators connecting the gut microbiome to tumor progression by altering the tumor microenvironment and modulating signaling pathways in tumor and immune cells. This review examines the mechanistic links between the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and tumorigenesis, emphasizing how microbial metabolism of host- and diet-derived compounds affects oncogenic and genotoxic processes in colorectal cancer (CRC). It also explores how dietary and host factors modulate microbial composition and function, influencing cancer susceptibility. Understanding these interconnected processes provides conceptual insight into the microbiota-cancer axis and highlights opportunities for microbiome-targeted interventions in cancer prevention and therapy.