New research involving editing the genome of microbes may change how acne affects the skin directly, without adverse symptoms or medications
An international team of scientists has managed, through genetic engineering, to modify a skin bacterium to act against acne directly at its biological origin, preventing the exaggerated production of sebum in those suffering from the symptoms associated with the problem. The work comes from the University of Pompeu Fabra, in Spain, and should be extended to other areas skin conditions in the future.
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The bacterium in question is Cutibacterium acnes, which, with the modification of scientists, manages to produce and secrete a therapeutic molecule capable of combating the symptoms of acne on the skin. The result was tested on skin cells and laboratory mice and, before reaching pharmacies, will have to be tested in simulations of artificial human skin or in laboratory tests with humans.
Genetic engineering against acne
The study describing the work, published in the scientific journal Biotechnology of nature, showed how the bacterium’s genome was modified to produce the protein NGAL — mediator of the acne substance called isotretinoin —, which reduces skin sebum by killing sebocytes, where fat (in the form of lipids) is found. produced by the sebaceous glands. With this, the Skin disease it can be fought naturally.
Traditional treatments for this condition use antibiotics or the application of isotretinoin derived from vitamin A. They cause some serious adverse effects, such as excessive sensitivity to light and depletion of the facial microbiome, in the case of antibiotics, or peeling of the skin and even birth defects in the case of isotretinoin.
The system developed by scientists has improved the delivery of DNA to cells and their stability within them, as well as genetic expression. This allowed the modified bacteria to stay on the skin and do the work necessary to clear up acne. Future plans include the treatment of other skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory condition in which the patient has eczema, severe irritation and dry skin, very common in children.
Source: Biotechnology of nature
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Source: Terra
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