20 elucidating the role of fusobacterium nucleatum in intestinal inflammation

While the direct cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown, the gut microbiota is speculated to play a key role. The complexity of the microbiome has made it difficult to pinpoint whether bacterial species are specifically associated with IBD exacerbations; although select microbes have emerged as compelling candidates. Several groups have identified increased abundance in Fusobacterium in IBD patients. Fusobacterium nucleatum drives inflammation in the oral cavity, but few studies have examined the potential for F.  nucleatum to promote intestinal inflammation.

Source: Gastroenterology - January 25, 2020 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Melinda Engevik, Heather Danhof, Robert Britton, James Versalovic Tags: Epithelial Cell Biology/Function in Inflammation Source Type: research