Abstract
The gut microbiota is very important in the initiation, progression, and dissemination of cancer, and the regulation of microbiota has been employed as a novel strategy to enhance the effect of immunotherapy. Adiponectin (APN), an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays a vital role in regulating the immune response of innate immune cells. The deficiency of APN inhibits rhabdomyosarcoma growth. However, whether this function is associated with regulating gut microbiota remains unknown. To investigate, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing on the fecal microbiome of APN gene knockout mice to determine whether APN deletion affects the gut microbiota. We found APN deficiency alters gut microbial functions involved in metabolism, genetic information processing, and cellular processes. In addition, a decreased abundance of Bacteroides and an increased abundance of Prevotella and Helicobacter were observed in rhabdomyosarcoma-bearing APN knockout mice; these bacteria were associated with the inhibition of rhabdomyosarcoma growth. These findings suggest that gut microbiota may be a potential target of APN deficiency against rhabdomyosarcoma.