The Role of Diet Related SCFAs in CRC Metabolism and Survival

It was published a review article that covers the current knowledge on the transport of short chain fatty acids by colorectal cancer cells and their effects on colorectal cancer metabolism and survival. It is also adressed the impact of increasing short chain fatty acids production by manipulation of colon microbiota on the prevention and therapy of this disease.

Authors and affiliations:
S. Gomes (a,b), C.S.F. Oliveira (a,c), J. Azevedo-Silva (a), M. R. Casanova(a,d), J. Barreto (a), H. Pereira (a), S. R. Chaves (a), L. R. Rodrigues (d), M. Casal (a), M. Côrte-Real (a) , F. Baltazar (b,e) and A. Preto (a)

(a) CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology. Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal;

(b) ICVS - Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal;

(c) ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar. University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal;

(d) CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal;

(e) ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. CRC increased risk has been associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiota, with decreased production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs produced in the human colon are the major products of bacterial fermentation of undigested dietary fiber and starch. While colonocytes use the three major SCFAs, namely acetate, propionate and butyrate, as energy sources, transformed CRC cells primarily undergo aerobic glycolysis. Compared to normal colonocytes, CRC cells exhibit increased sensitivity to SCFAs, thus indicating they play an important role in cell homeostasis. Manipulation of SCFA levels in the intestine, through changes in microbiota, has therefore emerged as a potential preventive/therapeutic strategy for CRC. Interest in understanding SCFAs mechanism of action in CRC cells has increased in the last years. Several SCFA transporters like SMCT-1, MCT-1 and aquaporins have been identified as the main transmembrane transporters in intestinal cells. Recently, it was shown that acetate promotes plasma membrane re-localization of MCT-1 and triggers changes in the glucose metabolism. SCFAs induce apoptotic cell death in CRC cells, and further mechanisms have been discovered, including the involvement of lysosomal membrane permeabilization, associated with mitochondria dysfunction and degradation. In this review, we will cover the current knowledge on the transport of SCFAs by CRC cells and their effects on CRC metabolism and survival. The impact of increasing SCFA production by manipulation of colon microbiota on the prevention/therapy of CRC will also be addressed.

Journal: Current Medicinal Chemistry

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29848266