Scientists have discovered a novel way to defeat acne from within the body.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Scientists have transformed a common skin bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes into a powerful tool against acne using genetic engineering.
- The edited bacterium produces the NGAL protein, use in acne treatment. This protein reduces sebum production by causing skin cells (sebocytes) to stop their sebum secretion, addressing a key factor in acne development.
- The study highlights the creation of a skin therapy using the bacterium’s natural presence on the skin. This innovation extends beyond acne treatment, showing potential for a universal tool against various skin issues.
- The scientists overcame challenges in altering Cutibacterium acnes‘ genetic makeup. They improved DNA delivery, stability and gene expression, resulting in a synthetic bacterium ready for real-world applications, ensuring safety features.
- Marc Güell envisions a technology platform that can edit any bacterium to combat different diseases. This extends beyond acne, with potential applications in skin sensing and immune modulation. The ongoing ‘SkinDev’ project aims to tackle atopic dermatitis, showcasing the versatility of this innovative approach.
A group of brilliant scientists at the Translational Synthetic Biology Laboratory at Pompeu Fabra University, decided to tackle a common villain—acne.
But instead of relying on traditional methods, they took a wild approach, turning a regular skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes into a tiny powerhouse against skin troubles.
So, what did they do?
Well, they basically played genetic architects with Cutibacterium acnes, giving it a special ability to produce something called the NGAL protein.
Now, this protein isn’t just any protein, it is like a lethal protein in the world of acne treatment. It kicks sebum production to the curb by causing the skin cells responsible for it, the sebocytes, to call it quits.
But here’s the really interesting part. Nastassia Knödlseder, the mastermind behind the study says they have created a kind of skin therapy using what’s naturally present in our skin.
They essentially transformed a bacterium that lives on our skin into a teeny medicine factory. And get this, they are not stopping at acne—this technique could be like a universal tool for various skin issues.
Cutibacterium acnes used to be a bit of a puzzle for scientists. It was like the Rubik’s Cube of bacteria—tricky to change its genetic makeup and make it produce useful stuff.
However, the team led by the genius Marc Güell cracked the code. They improved how they delivered DNA, made it more stable and controlled how genes were expressed.
The result is astonishing. This is because they found a synthetic bacterium that’s ready for real-life applications, with safety features to boot.
But wait, there is more. This bacterium isn’t content with just fighting acne. Marc Güell envisions a future where they can edit any bacterium to battle different diseases.
Think of it as creating a whole league of bacterial for different health issues. And they are not just dreaming—there is talk of using Cutibacterium acnes for things like sensing what’s happening on the skin or even giving the immune system a boost.
Now, the adventure continues with a project called ‘SkinDev.’ It’s like the next big blockbuster where the bacterial face a new challenge—tackling a condition called atopic dermatitis.
This is like a chronic skin issue with dryness, eczema and irritation, especially common in kids. Imagine these tiny superheroes stepping in to save the day for young skin troubles.
The scientists, cautious but optimistic, are making sure everything is safe for human use.
They have tested the regular version of this bacterium on real people’s skin, and it went well. So, this could be a game-changer in how we treat various skin conditions.
But it’s not just one lab doing all the magic. It’s like a team-up of different scientific minds collaborating across institutions like the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Barcelona.
It’s a symphony of brainpower, creating breakthroughs in synthetic biology—using biology to cook up some seriously amazing stuff.
Innovative Ways to prevent Skin Infections
Keeping your skin healthy and free from infections involves more than just basic hygiene – there are some cool and modern ways to level up your skincare game:
Probiotic Skincare – Add probiotics to your skincare routine. Whether in your products or through what you eat, probiotics help good bacteria grow on your skin, creating a shield against bad germs.
More importantly, check out clothes made from fancy fabrics that fight off bacteria. These materials stop germs from growing, lowering the chance of getting skin infections.
Also, look for labels that say “antimicrobial” or fabrics with cool stuff like bamboo or silver nanoparticles.
UV-C Light Devices – Think about using pocket-sized gadgets that shoot UV-C light. It’s a light that kills bacteria and viruses on your skin. Just follow the instructions to avoid hurting your skin.
Also get personalized skincare products. These are skincare products made just for you. Thanks to technology, they can create these products based on your skin type, reducing the risk of irritation or allergies that might lead to infections.
Barrier Creams with Nanotechnology – Try out creams with tiny technology. These creams make a shield on your skin, stopping germs from getting in. The tiny tech in the cream also fights off bad bacteria.
Also, take a deep dive into the bacteria on your skin with a microbiome analysis. It helps customize your skincare routine to keep the good bacteria balanced, preventing the bad ones from taking over.
You may also embrace patches that act like little doctors for your skin. They can catch changes in temperature, moisture or pH levels, giving you a heads-up about possible skin issues before they become infections.
Hydration Monitoring Devices – Use wearable gadgets that keep an eye on how hydrated your skin is. Keeping your skin well-hydrated makes it tougher for infections to sneak in.
These gadgets give you reminders to drink water and keep your skin in top shape. More so, dive into the world of essential oils that fight off germs.
Oils like tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus have natural germ-fighting powers. You can add them to your skincare routine or mix them with other stuff and put them on your skin.
Smartphone Apps for Skincare – Make the most of apps on your phone that give you skincare advice just for you. They look at your surroundings, lifestyle and skincare habits to suggest personalized tips for keeping your skin infection-free.
Just a heads up, while these new ways are awesome, don’t forget the basics – like washing your hands, keeping your skin clean and not sharing personal stuff.
Combining these cool tricks with the basics will keep your skin happy and healthy.
However, this above study published in Nature Biotechnology marks a giant leap towards skincare that’s tailored to each person, using living microbes as the secret weapon.
Imagine a future where these tiny engineered bacteria are the go-to solution for all your skin troubles. It is like science fiction, but it’s happening right now in labs around the world.