A bacterial toxin, capable of modifying human DNA from an early agewas identified as a potential factor in the disturbing increase in colorectal cancers in people under the age of 40. This phenomenon, observed in at least twenty-seven countries, could announce the emergence of a new generation of patients.
According to a study published in the journal Nature, this increase is due to early exposure to colibactinea toxin produced by certain strains ofThey exhibited chill Present in the colon and rectum, which alters DNA permanently.
Researchers from the University of California in San Diego examined 981 colorectal cancer genomes from eleven countries. Their results show that The changes induced by Colibactin are 3.3 times more frequent in patients under 40 compared to those over 70 years old.
Professor Ludmil Alexandrov, the main author of the study, stresses that “The genetic footprint of this toxin seems strongly associated with colorectal cancers in young adults“. This unexpected discovery occurred while the team initially sought to understand the disparities in colorectal cancer rates between different countries.
-An insidious risk from childhood
One of the most worrying aspects of this discovery is that the colibactine causes specific genetic changes from childhood. These alterations could significantly accelerate the appearance of colorectal cancer. According to the Professor Alexandrovchildren exposed to this toxin without knowing it could develop colon cancer at 40 instead of 60 years.
By 2030, colon cancer could become the main cause of death in young adults. Genetic mutations are also more frequent in countries where early cases are numerous, although the exact circumstances of exposure to this toxin are still vague.
This major study was made possible thanks to international collaboration, allowing a large -scale analysis of samples collected in several countries.
Threats to future research
Despite the importance of these discoveries, many uncertainties remain concerning the colibactine. The research necessary to deepen this knowledge is unfortunately threatened by budgetary reductions imposed by theadministration Trump. Professor Alexandrov expresses his concern: ” In my opinion, it will be a hard blow for cancer research, not only in the United States, but also worldwide.«
