We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Colon Organoids as Experimental Models to Study the Effect of Micro-Nanoparticles as a Driver of Early-Onset Colon Cancer
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used human colon organoids—three-dimensional tissue models derived from patient biopsies—as experimental platforms to investigate whether micro- and nanoplastic exposure could drive early-onset colorectal cancer development. Organoid exposure to various micro/nanoplastic types induced cellular stress responses, barrier disruption, and pro-carcinogenic gene expression patterns relevant to colorectal cancer initiation.
Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in people < 50 years of age has been rising globally, yet its causes remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental factors, including exposure to micro-and nanoplastics (MNPs), may contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. MNPs can enter the gastrointestinal tract through ingestion, translocate across the epithelial barrier via endocytosis or paracellular pathways, and interact directly with epithelial and immune cells. Once internalized, they may generate events associated with tumor initiation including oxidative stress, disruption of membrane integrity, pro-inflammatory signaling, and disruption of genomic and epigenomic stability. Patient-derived colorectal organoids offer a physiologically relevant and scalable 3D model that closely mimics the cellular architecture and genetic landscape of primary tumors. We highlight how organoid models can be leveraged to study the impact of MNPs on the key processes of inflammation, DNA damage, senescence, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, we discuss the application of organoid-based systems to model EOCRC driven by environmental exposures, including the integration of organoid platforms with high-throughput assays, omics profiling, and microfluidics to better capture MNP-induced pathogenic mechanisms. Altogether, colorectal organoids provide a powerful bridge between environmental plastic exposure and EOCRC etiology, offering a tractable platform to identify mechanistic pathways and potential biomarkers of early disease.
More Papers Like This
Abstract 746: Modeling micro- and nanoplastics-induced colon aging in organoids to unravel pathways leading to early-onset colorectal cancer.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated microplastic contamination in soils of French agricultural regions using conventional and organic farming practices, finding higher contamination in conventionally managed soils receiving plastic mulch and sewage sludge amendments. Organic farming practices that avoid these inputs showed significantly lower soil microplastic concentrations, supporting sustainable agriculture as a contamination reduction strategy.
A Comparative Systematic Analysis of The Influence of Microplastics on Colon Cells, Mouse and Colon Organoids
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic effects across colon cells, mouse models, and colon organoids, finding that microplastic ingestion can induce tissue damage and alter cellular function in the digestive system, with organoids providing a valuable intermediate testing platform.
Exposure to nanoplastics at a human-relevant dose impairs epithelial cell lineage in murine and human colonoid models
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists exposed mini gut tissue samples (colonoids) grown from mouse and human colon cells to nanoplastic particles at a level relevant to human exposure. The particles changed the balance of stem cells and mature cells, disrupting normal tissue growth and repair in both healthy tissue and tissue from patients with colorectal cancer or Crohn's disease.
Microplastics and the Rising Tide of Early‐Onset Colorectal Cancer: Exploring the Environmental Gut Connection
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper explores the potential connection between microplastic exposure and the rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. The study discusses how microplastics may interact with the gut environment, suggesting that further research is needed to understand whether environmental microplastic contamination could be contributing to this emerging health trend.
Microplastics and Colorectal Cancer: Presence in Human Colorectal Tissues and Associations with Tumor Biology- A Systematic Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review of 13 studies found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are present in human colon tissues, with higher amounts found in cancerous tumors compared to healthy tissue. The research suggests these plastic particles may contribute to colon cancer development by causing inflammation and creating conditions that help tumors grow. While more research is needed to prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, this highlights growing concerns about how plastic pollution in our environment and food supply might affect human health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.