CSIG-21. THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN GLIOBLASTOMA: INSIGHTS FROM MICROBIOME-GENE EXPRESSION INTERACTIONS

Abstract Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of primary brain tumor, remains a formidable clinical challenge due to its invasiveness and resistance to therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating cancer progression through complex interactions with host physiology. In this study, we investigated the influence of gut microbiota and tumor gene expression by analyzing stool and tissue samples from glioblastoma patients. Utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples and NanoString gene expression analysis of tumor tissue samples, we explored the relationship between gut microbiome taxa and gene expression levels in tissue. Pathway analysis using KEGG and Gene Ontology databases was employed to elucidate the functional implications of these interactions. Our findings reveal contrasting effects of specific gut microbiota taxa and gene expression, with Fusobacterium demonstrating a potential oncogenic role, while Bifidobacteriaceae and Akkermansiaceae display potential tumor-suppressive effects. Fusobacterium is associated with the upregulation of key oncogenes and pathways promoting cancer cell survival, growth, and metabolism, whereas Bifidobacteriaceae and Akkermansiaceae are linked to the downregulation of genes involved in pathways promoting cancer cell survival and proliferation, such as MAPK signaling and stress response pathways, potentially inhibiting cancer cell growth. These results highlight the intricate interplay between gut microbiota composition and cancer biology and underscore the potential of gut microbiota modulation as a therapeutic strategy in glioblastoma management.