Terpenoid Synthesis and Antigen Initiation: Microbial Contributions to Inflammatory and Oncogenic Processes in the Lungs

Several bacterial genera, such as Veillonella, Prevotella, Cutibacterium, Streptococcus, etc. are often associated with atypical inflammation and carcinogenesis. Studies on microbiomes from blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in patients with sarcoidosis or lung cancer suggest that these microbes contribute to granulomatous inflammation. The terpenoid pathway, which is a critical metabolic route involved in energy storage, was identified as a common factor among these organisms.
The aim of this study was to assess the potential impact of microbiome dysbiosis, specifically through the terpenoid synthesis pathway, on pulmonary carcinogenesis.
To examine gene interactions and the metabolic capabilities of microbes, we applied flux balance analysis (FBA) models under normal and stress conditions.
Comparative analysis showed significant differences in the metabolic potentials of microbiomes from patients with pulmonary diseases compared to healthy controls. The study highlighted modifications in the terpenoid pathway as potential links between microbiome dysbiosis and lung cancer development.
These findings emphasize the influence of microbial metabolic pathways, specifically terpenoid synthesis, on pulmonary carcinogenesis. This study highlights the important role of microbiome dysbiosis in the development of lung cancer and suggests potential avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
Keywords: terpenoid synthesis, pulmonary carcinogenesis, microbiome dysbiosis, Flux balance analysis (FBA)
Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Bulgarian National Science Fund: grant numbers KP-06-DV/10-21.12.2019 and KP-06-Н73/5 5.12.2023