Fusobacterium in the microbiome: from health to disease across the oral–gut axis and beyond

Zhengrui Li; Ji’an Liu; Jing Li; Zhaokai Zhou; Xufeng Huang; Divya Gopinath; Peng Luo; Qi Wang; Dan Shan

doi:10.1038/s41522-025-00838-z

Fusobacterium in the microbiome: from health to disease across the oral–gut axis and beyond

Zhengrui Li
, Ji’an Liu
, Jing Li
, Zhaokai Zhou
, Xufeng Huang
, Divya Gopinath
, Peng Luo
, Qi Wang
, Dan Shan

Shanghai Jiao Tong University
National Center for Stomatology
National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology
Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
Shanghai Center of Head and Neck Oncology Clinical and Translational Science
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Fudan University
Zhengzhou University
Central South University
University of Debrecen
Southern Medical University
Lancaster University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fusobacterium functions as both commensal and pathogen, linking the oral–gut axis to diverse diseases, including cancer. Evidence shows it modulates microbial balance, promotes dysbiosis, and contributes to carcinogenesis by driving inflammation, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. This review integrates ecological, molecular, and clinical insights, highlighting its roles in oral and systemic disease and discussing therapeutic potential, underscoring Fusobacterium’s dualistic nature and implications for microbiome-targeted interventions.

Original language	English
Article number	200
Journal	npj Biofilms and Microbiomes
Volume	11
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00838-z
State	Published - Dec 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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10.1038/s41522-025-00838-z

Cite this

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title = "Fusobacterium in the microbiome: from health to disease across the oral–gut axis and beyond",

abstract = "Fusobacterium functions as both commensal and pathogen, linking the oral–gut axis to diverse diseases, including cancer. Evidence shows it modulates microbial balance, promotes dysbiosis, and contributes to carcinogenesis by driving inflammation, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. This review integrates ecological, molecular, and clinical insights, highlighting its roles in oral and systemic disease and discussing therapeutic potential, underscoring Fusobacterium{\textquoteright}s dualistic nature and implications for microbiome-targeted interventions.",

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T2 - from health to disease across the oral–gut axis and beyond

AU - Li, Zhengrui

AU - Liu, Ji’an

AU - Li, Jing

AU - Zhou, Zhaokai

AU - Huang, Xufeng

AU - Gopinath, Divya

AU - Luo, Peng

AU - Wang, Qi

AU - Shan, Dan

PY - 2025/12

Y1 - 2025/12

N2 - Fusobacterium functions as both commensal and pathogen, linking the oral–gut axis to diverse diseases, including cancer. Evidence shows it modulates microbial balance, promotes dysbiosis, and contributes to carcinogenesis by driving inflammation, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. This review integrates ecological, molecular, and clinical insights, highlighting its roles in oral and systemic disease and discussing therapeutic potential, underscoring Fusobacterium’s dualistic nature and implications for microbiome-targeted interventions.

AB - Fusobacterium functions as both commensal and pathogen, linking the oral–gut axis to diverse diseases, including cancer. Evidence shows it modulates microbial balance, promotes dysbiosis, and contributes to carcinogenesis by driving inflammation, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. This review integrates ecological, molecular, and clinical insights, highlighting its roles in oral and systemic disease and discussing therapeutic potential, underscoring Fusobacterium’s dualistic nature and implications for microbiome-targeted interventions.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105018650037

U2 - 10.1038/s41522-025-00838-z

DO - 10.1038/s41522-025-00838-z

M3 - Review article

C2 - 41087423

AN - SCOPUS:105018650037

SN - 2055-5008

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JO - npj Biofilms and Microbiomes

JF - npj Biofilms and Microbiomes

IS - 1

M1 - 200

ER -

Fusobacterium in the microbiome: from health to disease across the oral–gut axis and beyond

Abstract

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