Colon cancer and cancer therapy: the interplay of microelements, microbiota and the host at the mucosal interface.

There is growing evidence that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with inflammation and colon carcinogenesis. Our lab's aim is to strengthen the understanding of this association by finding underlying mechanisms, identifying related biomarkers, and by testing new ways to avoid dysbiosis and/or restore intestinal metabolic homeostasis.

Lines of investigation include:

1. understanding how competition for the uptake of dietary microelements affects the composition of the gut microbiota and may promote inflammation and carcinogenesis;
2. identification of microbiota biomarkers and regulators in order to manipulate and restore a healthy microbiota after cancer treatments;
3. identification of the underlying mechanisms by which the host controls gut microbial ecology;
4. investigation of how pathogens and pathobionts alter the microbiota in a manner leading to carcinogenesis;
5. and evaluation of the protective role of probiotics.