# Analysis of Fusobacterium nucleatum Driven Modulation of c-Myc Pathways in Oral Carcinogenesis

## TL;DR

This study explores how Fusobacterium nucleatum may influence c-Myc pathways in oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.

## Contribution

The study identifies a correlation between F. nucleatum colonization and increased c-Myc expression in oral carcinogenesis.

## Key findings

- F. nucleatum was detected more frequently in OSCC than in OPMD cases.
- F. nucleatum–positive OSCC cases showed strong nuclear c-Myc staining.
- Tobacco use was more common in F. nucleatum–positive OSCC cases.

## Abstract

To evaluate the association between Fusobacterium
nucleatum and c-Myc expression in Oral Potentially Malignant
Disorders (OPMDs) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and to explore its
potential role in oral carcinogenesis.

A total of 32 histopathologically confirmed cases (18 OPMDs and 14 OSCC) were
analyzed. Anaerobic cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used
to detect F. nucleatum. Immunohistochemistry
(IHC) was performed to assess c-Myc expression. Statistical analysis was
conducted using Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05
considered significant.

F. nucleatum was detected in eight OSCC and
two OPMD cases, with higher colony counts in OSCC. All samples were positive
for c-Myc, but their expression levels varied. In OPMDs, positivity was
mainly observed in the basal and suprabasal epithelial layers, whereas OSCC
showed both peripheral and central tumor cell localization. F. nucleatum–positive OSCC cases
demonstrated strong nuclear c-Myc staining (50–75% positive cells).
Tobacco habits, particularly combined smoking and smokeless use, were more
common in F. nucleatum–positive OSCC
cases.

F. nucleatum colonization correlates with
increased c-Myc expression in OPMDs and OSCC, supporting its possible role
in microbially driven oral carcinogenesis. These findings suggest its
potential as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target.