A Novel Bacteriophage with the Potential to Inhibit -Induced Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence shows that () largely affects colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and progression; therefore, the inhibition of intratumoral may be one realistic approach to combat CRC. Although antibiotics are helpful in eliminating bacteria, the major problem remains the rise of potential antibiotic-resistant strains and antibiotic-associated adverse effects. Currently, bacteriophage therapy has gained interest because of its high selectivity to bacterial hosts and may become a realistic approach in treating bacteria-associated cancers.

METHODS

In this study, a new bacteriophage, ØTCUFN3, was isolated and its biological characteristics were identified. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the effect of ØTCUFN3 in combating -induced CRC growth.

RESULTS

By applying ØTCUFN3 to -induced CRC cell lines, p53, and p53 isogenic HCT116 cells, our results revealed an inhibition of CRC proliferation and the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. ØTCUFN3 injection also reduced the growth of -induced mouse xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated the use of bacteriophage against CRC, laying the foundation for the future usage of bacteriophage in cancer treatment.