Microbial Signatures Associated with Oropharyngeal and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Sagarika Banerjee, Tian Tian, Zhi Wei, Kristen N. Peck, Natalie Shih, Ara A. Chalian, Bert W. O'Malley, Gregory S. Weinstein, Michael D. Feldman, James Alwine, Erle S. Robertson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

The microbiome is fundamentally one of the most unique organs in the human body. Dysbiosis can result in critical inflammatory responses and result in pathogenesis contributing to neoplastic events. We used a pan-pathogen array technology (PathoChip) coupled with next-generation sequencing to establish microbial signatures unique to human oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC/OPSCC). Signatures for DNA and RNA viruses including oncogenic viruses, gram positive and negative bacteria, fungi and parasites were detected. Cluster and topological analyses identified 2 distinct groups of microbial signatures related to OCSCCs/OPSCCs. Results were validated by probe capture next generation sequencing; the data from which also provided a comprehensive map of integration sites and chromosomal hotspots for micro-organism genomic insertions. Identification of these microbial signatures and their integration sites may provide biomarkers for OCSCC/OPSCC diagnosis and prognosis as well as novel avenues for study of their potential role in OCSCCs/OPSCCs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number4036
JournalScientific reports
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2017
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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