Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis induces host genotype-specific colonic epithelial and immune responses in mice, sample set #1

A number of individual microbiota members have been implicated in colorectal cancer, including enterotoxigenic strains of Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF). ETBF promotes inflammation in mouse models, which has been mechanistically linked to colon tumorigenesis.

We hypothesized that ETBF would promote distinct patterns of colonic damage and inflammation in mice expressing different oncogenic mutations. Mice expressing mutations in the Apc tumor suppressor gene or the BRAF or Kras oncogenes were colonized with ETBF to induce acute colitis. Seven days after colonization, tissues and stools were collected to assess for colonization, epithelial damage, and local and systemic immune responses.