Osaka University researchers link bacterial toxin to colorectal cancer

Researchers from Osaka University and the University of Tokyo have identified a bacterial toxin as a significant driver of colorectal cancer in Japan. Through whole-genome analysis of 200 Japanese patients, the team found that approximately 44.8% of cases showed DNA mutation signatures caused by colibactin, a genotoxic substance produced by certain strains of E. coli.

The impact is particularly pronounced in younger populations; roughly 70% of colorectal cancer cases in patients under the age of 40 exhibited these colibactin-related mutations. The study suggests that these genetic abnormalities may be acquired as early as childhood, specifically in generations born after 1965.

This discovery challenges the traditional view that colorectal cancer is primarily driven by aging and Westernized diets, suggesting instead that specific bacterial infection pathways play a critical role. Scientists hope this finding will lead to new preventive measures, such as detecting or eradicating colibactin-producing bacteria, similar to strategies used against Helicobacter pylori in stomach cancer prevention.