Diet, Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer

Summary The intestinal epithelium is a very dynamic tissue under a high regenerative pressure, which makes it susceptible to malignant transformation. Proper integration of various cell signaling pathways and a balanced crosstalk between different cell types composing the organ are required to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Dysregulation of this balance can lead to colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we review important insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms of CRC. We discuss how perturbation in complex regulatory networks including the Wnt, Notch, BMP and Hedgehog pathways, and how variations in inflammatory signaling, nutrients and microbiota can affect intestinal homeostasis contributing to the malignant transformation of the intestinal cells.