Surprising discovery: Streptococcus anginosus identified as risk factor for stomach cancer. New study reveals link between common bacteria and stomach cancer. . Credit: newatlas.com

A recent study has revealed that a commonly found bacteria, previously believed to be harmless, plays a significant role in the development of stomach cancer. Along with the well-known Helicobacter pylori bacteria, this newly discovered bacteria called Streptococcus anginosus has also been identified as a risk factor for cancer. The research team has identified the bacteria's mode of action, which could lead to the development of potential treatments to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.

It is estimated that about half of the world's population carries the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is considered harmless in its usual state. However, when it turns pathogenic, it can cause an infection that increases the risk of gastric cancer. Surprisingly, only a small percentage of those infected with the bacteria actually develop the condition, leading scientists to suspect the involvement of another pathogen in the disease. To investigate this further, researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) collaborated on a study to identify the potential microbe.

The study focused on the non-H. pylori gut microbiome of patients with different stages of gastric cancer, from milder forms of gastritis to more advanced stages. The researchers found five oral pathogens enriched in the gastric linings of these patients, including Streptococcus anginosus. Using mouse models, they discovered that colonization with S. anginosus triggered an acute inflammatory response, followed by a chronic phase of intense and persistent gastritis. This chronic inflammation is known to promote cancer growth and development. The infection in mice caused a progression from chronic gastritis to atrophy, metaplasia, and dysplasia, similar to the pathway in humans before the development of gastric cancer. Further, the co-infection of S. anginosus and H. pylori resulted in even greater gastric inflammation, indicating a potential synergy between the two pathogens in promoting gastritis.

The researchers also investigated the mechanism behind this process and found that S. anginosus uses its surface protein, TMPC, to communicate with the Annexin A2 (ANXA2) receptor on cells in the stomach lining. This interaction allows the bacteria to attach to and colonize the cells, activating an enzyme called mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which regulates cell growth and survival. By disabling the ANXA2 receptor, the researchers were able to prevent the activation of MAPK by S. anginosus, halting its contribution to cancer progression.

The findings of this study were published in the journal Cell, shedding light on a previously unknown risk factor for stomach cancer and providing insight into its underlying mechanisms. With further research, this discovery could potentially lead to the development of new treatments to reduce the risk of this deadly disease.

Source: newatlas.com
Alton Shaffer
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