The Barrier-Microbiota-Inflammation Axis in Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms and Emerging Diagnostic & Therapeutic Strategies.

Authors

Xuanchi Dong, Ji Yang, Langyu He, Huan Fang, Lei Wang, Jingjing Zhu, Jie Xu, Kedong Song, Zhiqiang Xuan

Published in

Cancers. Volume 18. Issue 4. Feb 10, 2026. Epub Feb 10, 2026.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of global cancer incidence and mortality, with rising prevalence among younger individuals. Accumulating evidence reveals a critical pathological axis linking intestinal barrier disruption, gut microbial dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation, collectively driving CRC initiation. Early colorectal lesions exhibit microbial shifts-reduced α-diversity with clear β-diversity separation, enrichment of oral-origin/pathobiont taxa and depletion of butyrate producers-alongside impaired mucus and tight junction integrity. Concurrent chemical barrier drifts, with decreased short-chain fatty acids and increased secondary bile acids, enhance epithelial stress and vulnerability. The resultant permeability facilitates the translocation of microbial products, triggering inflammation and tumorigenesis. This paper focuses on a review of the relationship between gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, inflammatory signaling pathways, and tumor initiation, sorting out its potential role in developing, diagnosing, and treating CRC. Collectively, this cascade axis offers theoretical and empirical support for the early pathological detection and intervention of CRC, indicating promising directions for future precision screening and stratified management strategies.

PMID:
41749829
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 20 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.