Investigating the Association Between Breast Tissue Microbiota and Host Genetic Factors in Breast Cancer Using Computational Methods

Breast cancer (BC) risk is influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, and diet. Current research explores the connection between breast microbiota and BC. It is hypothesized that host genetic factors can influence the composition of breast microbiota, potentially impacting BC risk or progression. This study investigates the interplay between the breast microbiome and host genetic factors. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, the study analyzed the breast tissue microbiome's composition and assessed alpha and beta diversity. Results showed that Campylobacter was significantly more abundant in control samples compared to BC samples, whereas Caldicellulosiruptor was more prevalent in BC samples than in controls. The study found correlations between the abundance of Campylobacter and other genera, such as Gemella, Rhodobacter, Fusobacterium, Actinomyces , and Filifactor , with significant host genes linked to BC progression and development. Key metabolic functional associations were identified, which enhance BC cell proliferation, growth, and migration. The study highlights the potential of the breast tissue microbiome as a source of biomarkers for assessing BC risk through its associations with significant microbial genera and host genes.