Mechanistic interactions of certain cancer-linked streptococci reveal their role in initiating host inflammatory cascades (e.g., IL-6, CD40, and interferon signaling), biofilm resistance by adhesins (e.g., AgI/II, SpaP, CshA/B, and VisA), and carcinogenic metabolite production including acetaldehyde and kynurenic acid. The gene discussed is PDZK1IP1; the disease is cancer.