Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have identified a cellular mechanism that alters the gut microbiome in a way that promotes cancer, according to a September 24 2025 Medical Express report.
Studies have shown that certain bacteria, Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis, when present in large amounts, can negatively affect the intestine because they release hydrogen sulfide—a gas can damage intestinal cells, triggering the cancerous environment.
The team was able to demonstrate this process, which begins with disturbed cell function, continues through altered lipid metabolism, and ultimately leads to an adaptation of the microbiome in favor of these bacteria, says Medical Express.
When a microbiome begins changing and faulty proteins accumulate, a protective protein, ATF6 (Activating Transcription Factor 6), becomes active which helps the cell repair or remove these proteins.
The cell is temporarily stressed, but returns to its resting state once repaired. However, in some diseases ATF6 does not revert to a resting state, at which point cancer can be triggered.
Under chronic ATF6 activation, lipid metabolism changes and generates more long-chain fatty acids, feeding certain bacteria, especially Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis, which displaces other healthy microbes.
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