In recent years, the regulatory role of the gut microbiota in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has attracted growing attention. Among the key microbial contributors, Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) has been identified as a critical pathogenic factor in CRC. As an oral anaerobic commensal, Fn is rarely found in the lower gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals. However, under pathological conditions, it can ectopically colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Once enriched in the colorectal environment, mounting evidence suggests that Fn is involved in multiple aspects of CRC pathogenesis, including initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. A recent review by Wei Wei and Diwei Zheng's team at the Institute of Process Engineering systematically outlines the pathogenic mechanisms of Fn in CRC and summarizes both current and emerging strategies for its therapeutic targeting. Furthermore, the authors propose potential approaches to overcome existing challenges in Fn modulation, aiming to facilitate more effective therapeutic interventions and improve clinical outcomes.

A natural alternative to pesticides may be hiding in a misunderstood plant compound — but it could come at an environmental cost.  

For years, scientists knew little about isoprene, a natural chemical produced by plants. New Michigan State University research 40 years in the making now sheds light on how this natural chemical can repel insects — and how some plants that don’t normally make isoprene could activate production in times of stress. 

Tom Sharkey, a University Distinguished Professor in the Michigan State University-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, the MSU Plant Resilience Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has studied isoprene for much of his career. Now, his lab has published findings that could provide a path for engineering plants that are more resilient to environmental change and pest outbreaks.