Gut microbiome-derived extracellular vesicles in cancer

The human body hosts trillions of bacteria, especially in the gut, where they support digestion, immunity, and overall health. Bacteria communicate with our bodies by releasing tiny, biologically active particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs). These vesicles carry proteins, genetic material, and other molecules that can influence how our cells behave.

This thesis explores the role of gut microbiome-derived EVs in cancer. The study identified clear differences in the molecular content and bacterial origins of stool EVs from patients with solid tumors and healthy individuals. The EVs from cancer patients showed distinct protein and metabolite profiles compared to those from healthy controls.

These findings suggest that EVs may reflect the body’s health status and could serve as biomarkers—biological indicators—for cancer. The research highlights the potential of EVs to improve our understanding of how gut bacteria interact with the human body in both health and disease. In the future, EVs could aid in early cancer detection and even guide personalized treatments when combined with traditional microbiome analysis.