Conditions & Recovery · ScienceDaily Cancer · July 16, 2026

Scientists finally solved how a common gut bacterium triggers colon cancer

Researchers solved a long-standing mystery behind how a bacterial toxin associated with colorectal cancer damages the colon. The toxin first binds to a receptor called claudin-4, giving it access to attack the cells' protective barrier. After identifying this weak point, the team designed a decoy protein that successfully blocked the toxin in mice. The discovery could pave the way for new therapie

Originally published by ScienceDaily Cancer. We curate and add context; they did the reporting.

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