The adhesin RadD enhances Fusobacterium nucleatum tumour colonization and colorectal carcinogenesis

Abstract

Fusobacterium nucleatum can bind to host cells and potentiate intestinal tumorigenesis. Here we used a genome-wide screen to identify an adhesin, RadD, which facilitates the attachment of F. nucleatum to colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. RadD directly binds to CD147, a receptor overexpressed on CRC cell surfaces, which initiated a PI3K–AKT–NF–κB–MMP9 cascade, subsequently enhancing tumorigenesis in mice. Clinical specimen analysis showed that elevated radD gene levels in CRC tissues correlated positively with activated oncogenic signalling and poor patient outcomes. Finally, blockade of the interaction between RadD and CD147 in mice effectively impaired F. nucleatum attachment and attenuated F. nucleatum-induced oncogenic response. Together, our study provides insights into an oncogenic mechanism driven by F. nucleatum RadD and suggests that the RadD–CD147 interaction could be a potential therapeutic target for CRC. The bacterial adhesin, RadD, enhances the ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to interact with colorectal cancer cells and promote tumour development in mice.