Gut Microbial Enzymes: Regulatory Molecules at the Interface of Cancer and Host Physiology

Gut microbes produce a diverse repertoire of enzymes and regulatory molecules that profoundly influence host physiology. Beyond their roles in nutrient metabolism and microbial ecology, these enzymes modulate host signaling pathways, immune responses, and tumor microenvironments. Emerging evidence highlights how microbial enzyme activity and associated metabolites can promote or suppress carcinogenesis, alter inflammatory cascades, and reshape host metabolic networks. There are several studies on understanding the pivotal role of microbial enzymes in regulating cancer. One such enzyme, β-glucuronidase, could reactivate hidden carcinogens in the colon, increasing the risk of tumor formation. Similarly, nitroreductases convert certain compounds into mutagenic amines that damage DNA. Other enzymes, like those that modify bile acids, generate secondary bile acids, which are strongly linked to colorectal and liver cancers. Beyond these, gut microbes also reshape host immunity through tryptophan metabolism, producing indole derivatives that influence the body's response to tumors. Even polyamine-producing enzymes play a role, fueling cell growth and helping cancers thrive. Together, these examples show the many ways microbial enzymes can tip the balance, either driving cancer forward or shaping opportunities for prevention and therapy.This Research Topic will focus on the mechanistic and translational aspects of gut microbial enzymes in cancer biology, bridging microbiology, enzymology, and oncology. By narrowing the scope to host-centered outcomes, the Research Topic aims to provide a cohesive platform for cutting-edge research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration between microbiologists, oncologists, and systems biologists.Topics are encouraged but not limited to:• Gut microbial enzymes in cancer initiation and progression• Regulatory molecules and enzyme-mediated modulation of host signaling pathways• Microbial metabolites influencing immune responses and tumor microenvironments• Systems biology and omics approaches to map gut enzyme–cancer interactions• Therapeutic potential of targeting microbial enzymes in cancer prevention and treatment• Synthetic biology and engineering of gut microbial enzymes for translational oncology Topic editors: Vinod Kumar Nathan, Jacek Z KUBIAK, Shailima Rampogu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82394/gut-microbial-enzymes-regulatory-molecules-at-the-interface-of-cancer-and-host-physiology