Urinary Microbes and Their Role in Supporting Prostate Cancer Growth Through Hormone Alteration

Recent research reveals that bacteria residing in the urinary tract may significantly contribute to the progression of prostate cancer by influencing hormone levels. A study conducted by the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) and published in Nature Microbiology suggests that certain urinary bacteria can convert corticosteroids into androgens—key hormones that promote prostate tumor growth. This groundbreaking work was led by associate professor Jason Ridlon, who hypothesized that microbiota in the gut and urinary tract influence hormone-driven cancers.

The team identified specific bacterial genes, such as desF and desG, that are involved in producing hormone-like compounds, including epitestosterone. Interestingly, instead of blocking cancer as previously thought, epitestosterone was found to stimulate prostate cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, the bacteria Propionimicrobium lymphophilum, linked to prostate cancer, may facilitate tumor growth by producing androgens.

The research employed innovative microbial bead technology developed by CCIL’s bioengineering team, which allowed the encapsulation of anaerobic bacteria. This technology has significant potential for future applications, including designing microbial cocktails to modulate steroid hormones in animal models, bringing us closer to therapeutic interventions. Ridlon emphasizes that bacteria are an often-overlooked part of our hormone regulation system, and understanding their role could lead to novel treatments, such as drugs targeting harmful bacterial hormones.

Collaborator Joseph Irudayaraj highlighted that the microbial bead technology’s broad impact extends beyond prostate cancer, potentially influencing other hormonal cancers like breast cancer. The researchers are now expanding their investigation into additional bacterial pathways involved in steroid metabolism, aiming to unveil new mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Overall, this study underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and opens new avenues for treating hormone-related cancers by targeting microbial influences within the human body.