In a recent publication, the Sears lab showed that introduction of the BRAFV600E mutation into mice colonized with enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) leads to production of midcolon tumors with similarity to human BRAFV600E tumors and distinct from the ETBF-induced distal adenomas typical for this ETBF mouse model. In particular, the BRAFV600E tumors show sensitivity to anti-PD-L1 treatment, suggesting a line of investigation for improving immunotherapy treatment for colon cancer. Check out this blog, on the Cancer Grand Challenges website, where Cindy discusses this work and its implications.
Microbes are important in human health
Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe: The Importance of Microbes to Human HealthIn a recent podcast by the Centre for Inquiry Canada, Emma Allen-Vercoe talks about the importance of microbiome research and how she became involved in the OPTIMISTICC project.
