Fig. 3.

Precision editing of the microbiota causatively links pathobiont expansion during dysbiosis to CRC formation. Colibactin-producing E. coli are minority species within the gut microbiota during homeostasis (Left). Colitis triggers dysbiosis by increasing the availability of host-derived oxygen (O₂) and nitrate (NO₃⁻). Oxygen and nitrate fuel growth of colibactin-producing E. coli to promote adenocarcinoma formation (Center), whereas blocking a bloom of the pathobiont through precision editing prevents carcinoma (Right). Created with BioRender.com.