Host-Microbiota Interactions in Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

The human microbiota, a diverse collection of microorganisms residing within the human body, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and influencing disease susceptibility. Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled researchers to explore the composition and functions of these microorganisms, particularly in relation to gastrointestinal health. Current research has established a strong link between gut microbiota imbalances and gastrointestinal diseases, which can progress to cancers such as colorectal cancer. These imbalances affect host cell interactions, immune regulation, and metabolic processes. Furthermore, the gut microbiota's influence on responses to immunotherapies and targeted treatments highlights its potential in expanding therapeutic strategies. Despite these advancements, the complex interactions between gut microbiota and their hosts remain inadequately understood, and the potential clinical applications of this knowledge are yet to be fully realized.

This research topic aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying host-microbiota interactions, focusing on how microbiota dysbiosis impacts the occurrence, development, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and cancers. The objective is to answer key questions about the distinctive dysbiosis signatures in gastrointestinal diseases, the role of gut microbes in modulating the tumor microenvironment, and the potential of microbiota-based therapeutics. By exploring these areas, the research seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to innovative therapeutic opportunities.

To gather further insights into the complex interactions between host and microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases and cancers, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Uncovering the distinctive dysbiosis signatures of microbiota in gastrointestinal diseases
- Exploring the involvement of disease-associated gut microbes in modulating the tumor microenvironment
- Investigating the intricate mechanisms underlying host-microbiota interactions in gastrointestinal diseases
- Microbial-derived metabolites that promote cancer development and progression
- Exploring the potential of microbiota-based therapeutics in managing gastrointestinal diseases

Please note: studies consisting solely of bioinformatic investigation of publicly available genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic data do not fall within the scope of the section unless they are expanded and provide significant biological or mechanistic insight into the process being studied and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.