Abstract:
To date, the precise role of the human microbiome in health and disease states remains largely
undefined. Complex and selective crosstalk systems between the microbiome and mammalian
cells are also not yet reported. Research up till now mainly focused on bacterial synthesis of
virulence factors, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and hydrogen sulphide, as well as
on the activation of exogenous mutagen precursors by intestinal bacteria. We discovered that
certain quorum sensing peptides, produced by bacteria, interact with mammalian cells, in casu
cancer cells: Phr0662 (Bacillus sp.), EntF-metabolite (Enterococcus faecium) and EDF-derived
(Escherichia coli) peptides initiate HCT-8/E11 colon cancer cell invasion, with Phr0662 also
promoting angiogenesis. Our findings thus indicate that the human microbiome, through their
quorum sensing peptides, may be one of the factors responsible for cancer metastasis.
