The Polyamine Spermidine Modulates the Production of the Bacterial Genotoxin Colibactin

Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli strains are associated with cancerous and precancerous colorectal tissues and are suspected of promoting colorectal carcinogenesis. In this study, we describe a new interplay between the synthesis of the genotoxin colibactin and the polyamine spermidine. Polyamines are highly abundant in cancer tissue and are associated with cell proliferation. The need for spermidine in genotoxic activity provides a new perspective on the role of these metabolites in the pathogenicity of colibactin-producing E. coli strains in colorectal cancer.