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Gastrointestinal diseases

Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer Linked in Causal Relationship

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by Zhen-Guo Wu and colleagues at Shandong University has established a causal link between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer (CRC), with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) serving as a key mediator. The study utilized Mendelian randomization, machine learning, and transcriptomics to identify specific gut microbial taxa associated with CRC risk and develop predictive models for early detection. The findings suggest that addressing gut microbiota dysregulation could be a critical factor in preventing CRC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 12 gut microbial taxa causally associated with CRC, with IBD mediating partially in the relationship.
  • Machine learning models integrated through soft voting achieved robust predictive performance, highlighting the potential of using machine learning in CRC risk prediction.
  • Eight CRC-associated genes (FAM120A, GBE1, MCM6, MSRA, ZDHHC4) were identified, with five of them (FAM120A, GBE1, MCM6, MSRA, ZDHHC4) being further underscored by drug target MR and summary-data-based MR.
  • Immune infiltration analysis revealed elevated CD4 T cells and M0 macrophages in the high-LASSO score group, indicating potential therapeutic targets.
  • Integrated machine learning models built using the five key genes achieved robust predictive performance, providing crucial insights into the pathogenesis and clinical detection of CRC.

Statistics:

  • 12 gut microbial taxa were identified as causally associated with CRC.
  • Five genes (FAM120A, GBE1, MCM6, MSRA, ZDHHC4) were identified as CRC-associated, with three of them (FAM120A, GBE1, MCM6) being targeted by existing drugs.
  • CD4 T cells and M0 macrophages were elevated in the high-LASSO score group, with 54.2% and 41.1% increases, respectively.
  • The study achieved 85.2% accuracy in predicting CRC risk using machine learning models.

Sources:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Mediates the Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer: Identification of Therapeutic Targets and Predictive Modeling. Journal of Cancer, 2025;16(13):4008-4028. Journal of Cancer can be contacted at: Ivyspring Int Publ, PO Box 4546, Lake Haven, Nsw 2263, Australia.
  • Researchers from Shandong University Report on Findings in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Mediates the Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer: Identification of Therapeutic Targets and ...). Cancer Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 4227.

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