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Volume 48
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10.3390/cimb48010016
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Review

The Role of Gut Microbiota and Mucin Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer

by
Yifu Chen
1,2,
Yunhua Xu
3,
Xiong Li
2,
Siming Wu
2,
Hong Long
2,
Guang Fu
2 and
Shuai Xiao
1,2,*
1
Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
2
Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
3
Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hang Kong Road 13, Wuhan 430000, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010016
Submission received: 25 November 2025 / Revised: 19 December 2025 / Accepted: 21 December 2025 / Published: 23 December 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and fatal malignant tumors globally, and its development is increasingly related to the gut microbiota. Despite its effect on CRC having been extensively researched, the intestinal mucus barrier, which forms a fundamental link between the host tissues and gut microbes, is seldom discussed. A double-layered barrier, mainly formed by MUC2 mucin, isolates the outside world from epithelial cells to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Furthermore, it is subjected to a dynamic impact of microbial activity. Now, increasing evidence shows that mucus barrier disruption driven by certain gut microbes is an early event in the development of CRC. This review first introduces the structure and function of the colonic mucus barrier and then discusses how gut microbiota in different areas promote the development of CRC by disrupting the mucus layer. Finally, we examine translational opportunities for exploiting microbiota–mucus barrier interactions in CRC therapy.
Keywords: CRC; microbiota; mucus barrier; mucin; dysbiosis CRC; microbiota; mucus barrier; mucin; dysbiosis

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MDPI and ACS Style

Chen, Y.; Xu, Y.; Li, X.; Wu, S.; Long, H.; Fu, G.; Xiao, S. The Role of Gut Microbiota and Mucin Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48, 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010016

AMA Style

Chen Y, Xu Y, Li X, Wu S, Long H, Fu G, Xiao S. The Role of Gut Microbiota and Mucin Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 2026; 48(1):16. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010016

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chen, Yifu, Yunhua Xu, Xiong Li, Siming Wu, Hong Long, Guang Fu, and Shuai Xiao. 2026. "The Role of Gut Microbiota and Mucin Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer" Current Issues in Molecular Biology 48, no. 1: 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010016

APA Style

Chen, Y., Xu, Y., Li, X., Wu, S., Long, H., Fu, G., & Xiao, S. (2026). The Role of Gut Microbiota and Mucin Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 48(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010016

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