Asian Skin Microbiome Project (ASMP)
Commensal Mycobiome
There is significant scientific and industrial interest in human-associated micro-organisms, the “human microbiome”, with it being listed by the World Economic Forum among the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies - 2014”. Furthermore, the skin microbiome is increasingly implicated in many common diseases, with global costs estimated as >$20 Billion USD. Understanding the skin microbiome represents both a chance to improve human health and a compelling economic opportunity.
To date, limitations of sampling skin and the genetic complexity of eukaryotes (including fungi) have limited human microbiome investigations primarily to gut and bacteria, leaving skin eukaryotes poorly understood. This crucial knowledge gap needs addressed, as fungi have key roles in common skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (likely Malassezia) and diaper rash (Candida). Importantly, skin fungi metabolize lipids and considerable data implicate lipids in skin homeostasis and disease.
From the above, we hypothesize:
There, our goals are to:
Much of the understanding of skin and hence product developments & treatments were largely based on European population. ASMP, a part of The Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) Study is a partnership between Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine, NTU), National Healthcare Group, and Imperial College London. Our ultimate goal is to use the knowledge generated to develop new approaches for prediction, prevention, early detection and better treatment of these skin diseases in Asian population.
There is significant scientific and industrial interest in human-associated micro-organisms, the “human microbiome”, with it being listed by the World Economic Forum among the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies - 2014”. Furthermore, the skin microbiome is increasingly implicated in many common diseases, with global costs estimated as >$20 Billion USD. Understanding the skin microbiome represents both a chance to improve human health and a compelling economic opportunity.
To date, limitations of sampling skin and the genetic complexity of eukaryotes (including fungi) have limited human microbiome investigations primarily to gut and bacteria, leaving skin eukaryotes poorly understood. This crucial knowledge gap needs addressed, as fungi have key roles in common skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (likely Malassezia) and diaper rash (Candida). Importantly, skin fungi metabolize lipids and considerable data implicate lipids in skin homeostasis and disease.
From the above, we hypothesize:
- The human cutaneous fungal community (mycobiome) impacts skin health and disease.
- Lipids (oxylipins) are the “language” of skin/mycobiome interactions.
- An “optimally healthy” skin mycobiome exists.
There, our goals are to:
- Define the human cutaneous eukaryotic microbiome (mycobiome), compare it in health/disease, and understand skin/mycobiome interactions.
- Build “healthy” baseline map to compare to “unhealthy” states. - HELIOS
- Define how skin Microbiome change throughout life specifically in puberty & menopause cohorts? - GUSTO
Much of the understanding of skin and hence product developments & treatments were largely based on European population. ASMP, a part of The Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) Study is a partnership between Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine, NTU), National Healthcare Group, and Imperial College London. Our ultimate goal is to use the knowledge generated to develop new approaches for prediction, prevention, early detection and better treatment of these skin diseases in Asian population.
Addressing Industry Problems
Alternative to Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT)
Malassezia has been implicated in dandruff formation and ZPT has worked very well against them. The ban of Zinc Pyrithione - the most common anti-fungal active in anti-dandruff shampoo - has led to major FCMGs seeking for alternatives to replace the demand for anti-dandruff treatment.
Our unique position to grow and test Malassezia susceptibility against various compounds has been one of our capabilities.
Malassezia has been implicated in dandruff formation and ZPT has worked very well against them. The ban of Zinc Pyrithione - the most common anti-fungal active in anti-dandruff shampoo - has led to major FCMGs seeking for alternatives to replace the demand for anti-dandruff treatment.
Our unique position to grow and test Malassezia susceptibility against various compounds has been one of our capabilities.
Addressing Industry Problems
Lipids and Dandruff
The human microbiome has realized celebrity status, but its role in skin remains poorly investigated. It is clear that fungi are a key element of skin microbiome, but few studies include metagenomic or ITS data which move beyond bacteria. Nearly a billion people are affected by fungal disease, and multiple studies implicate fungi in skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis, wounds, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. We have spent >20 years defining the fungal role in seborrheic dermatitis, including identification of pathogenic mechanisms and clinical proof of concept validating lipase mediated induction of inflammation. Our recent work indicates Malassezia fungi communicate with the host immune system
through lipid mediators. In collaboration with SLING, we identified a series of Malassezia secreted mediators on human skin. We are defining which drive host responses in keratinocytes and ex vivo skin. We hypothesize modulation of these mediators may control inflammation and improve skin disease.
through lipid mediators. In collaboration with SLING, we identified a series of Malassezia secreted mediators on human skin. We are defining which drive host responses in keratinocytes and ex vivo skin. We hypothesize modulation of these mediators may control inflammation and improve skin disease.