AUTHOR=Lai Yi-Ru , Chang Yu-Fang , Ma Jason , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Kuo Ming-Ling , Lai Chih-Ho 

TITLE=From DNA Damage to Cancer Progression: Potential Effects of Cytolethal Distending Toxin

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.760451

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2021.760451

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), one of the most important genotoxins, is produced by several gram-negative bacteria and is involved in bacterial pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that bacteria producing this peculiar genotoxin target host DNA, which potentially contributes to development of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the recent studies focusing on the idea that CDT leads to DNA damage, and the cells with inappropriately repaired DNA continue cycling, resulting in cancer development. Understanding the detailed mechanisms of genotoxins that cause DNA damage might be useful for targeting potential markers that drive cancer progression and help to discover new therapeutic strategies to prevent diseases caused by pathogens.</p>