2024-01-10 05:00:59
Spain’s Pompeuf Fabra University confirms the effectiveness of gene editing bacteria
A woman examining her acne-prone skin. Getty Image Bank
Scientists have created bacteria that kill sebum cells using gene editing technology. It is expected to be used in a variety of ways in the treatment of acne in the future. Research into treating diseases with bacteria whose genes have been modified to enhance specific functions is expected to continue actively.
An international joint research team led by Professor Marc Guell of the University of Pompeu Fabra in Spain published the results of their successful research in producing molecules suitable for treating acne symptoms by correcting the genes of specific bacteria in the international academic journal ‘Nature Biotechnology’ on the 9th (local time). did.
Acne is a common skin disease that occurs due to clogged or inflamed hair follicles. The form of acne appears differently depending on whether it is pustular or nodular, but there is no difference in the cause itself.
Acne is treated using antibiotics or isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, to kill bacteria living in hair follicles. These drugs induce the death of sebum cells that secrete sebum inside and outside the skin tissue.
The problem is that some side effects may occur. For example, antibiotics can cause damage to the entire skin tissue and destroy beneficial microorganisms present on the skin. This is why scientists have become interested in new ways to treat acne.
The research team focused on bacteria that can secrete NGAL protein, a mediator of isotretinoin, which is used to treat acne. It is a bacterium named ‘Cutibacterium acnes’. By correcting the genes of this bacterium, they succeeded in promoting only the NGAL protein secretion function. In mice injected with this bacteria, sebum-regulating cells were effectively killed.
The research team explained, “During the process of editing genes, we paid particular attention to ensuring that DNA stably expresses gene functions inside the cell.”
The bacteria created this time will not be used to treat acne in people right now. The explanation is that since the skin of mice and humans is different, additional verification is needed on actual human skin or 3D skin that mimics human skin.
This study is also evaluated as a successful example of synthetic biology that modifies existing biological components. Professor Güell said, “In this research, we developed a technological platform that can edit the genes of bacteria to treat diseases. We are currently focusing on treating acne, but in the future, we can create ‘smart bacteria’ for various purposes such as immune regulation.” “There will be,” he said.
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