This project aims to determine whether the oral bacteria Fusobacterium animalis is a bystander, initiator or driver of colorectal cancer development.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cancer worldwide and in Norway, with incidence expected to rise as populations age. While early detection improves survival, effective prevention is even more important, but remains incompletely defined.
Growing evidence links microbiota to CRC, with the oral bacterium Fusobacterium animalis consistently associated with colorectal tumours, often alongside other oral biofilm species. Whether these bacteria initiate or promote CRC, or merely colonise existing tumours, remains unknown, as does their route of entry.
We will establish an advanced intestinal organoid platform to investigate bacterial attachment, invasion, and epithelial responses, clarifying early host-microbe interactions and their potential contribution to CRC development and progression.
Full project title: Bystander, initiator or driver? Modelling Fusobacterium animalis-colon epithelium interactions with organoids and organ-on-chip.
This project is part of the strategic research area Future Health and Care Services.
