Vat-Mediated Mucus Penetration Enables Genotoxic Activity of .

Colibactin toxin-producing () strains are associated with the occurrence of colorectal cancer in humans. These strains induce DNA damage when in close contact with the cells of the intestinal epithelium. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the mucus layer that covers the intestinal epithelial mucosa is crucial for counteracting the effects of colibactin.

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 hinders colon tumorigenesis induced by colibactin-producing in mice.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are frequently colonized by colibactin-producing (CoPEC) (>40%), which enhances tumorigenesis in mouse models of CRC. We observed that 50% of CoPEC also contains the gene, which encodes cytotoxic necrotizing factor-1 (CNF1), an enhancer of the eukaryotic cell cycle. The impact of its co-occurrence with colibactin (Clb) has not yet been investigated.