Microbial genotoxin-elicited host DNA mutations related to mitochondrial dysfunction, a momentous contributor for colorectal carcinogenesis.

Gut microbe dysbiosis increases repetitive inflammatory responses, leading to an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have revealed that specific microbial species directly instigate mutations in the host nucleus DNA, thereby accelerating the progression of colorectal cancer. Given the well-established role of mitochondrial dysfunction in promoting colorectal cancer, it is reasonable to postulate that gut microbes may induce mitochondrial gene mutations, thereby inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we focus on gut microbial genotoxins and their known and potential targets in mitochondrial genes. Consequently, we propose that targeted disruption of genotoxin transport pathways may effectively reduce the rate of mitochondrial gene mutations and yield substantial benefits for the prevention of colorectal carcinogenesis.