Dandruff Mysteries Revealed with Genome Sequencing
Sequencing of the dandruff genome expands the potential range of dandruff treatments.
In a breakthrough genomic discovery recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), scientists from P&G Beauty successfully sequenced the entire genome of the fungus Malassezia globosa (M. globosa), which is responsible for the onset of dandruff and other conditions in humans. This work establishes P&G Beauty as the leader in scalp health research and innovation in dandruff treatment.
Implications
The health implications of this research are significant, as dandruff, and the more severe seborrheic dermatitis, affect more than 50 percent of the human population. Furthermore, the family of Malassezia species affects a wide range of human health issues, including individuals with early and compromised immune systems, such as infants and those suffering from autoimmune diseases. This fungus family also plays a role in skin and respiratory allergies.
"What started as an effort to unlock the mechanism behind dandruff has opened the scientific doors for the development and enhancement of treatments for dandruff and many more Malassezia-related conditions," said James Schwartz, PhD and Research Fellow at P&G Beauty.
Malassezia is a culprit in conditions mild to severe, but almost nothing was understood at the molecular level before this research. The genetic sequencing of M. globosa has expanded the range of potentialtreatment targets from a few observational characteristics to now more than 4,000 molecular targets.
Image of M. globosa
Dandruff Defined
M. globosa, which is among the smallest of the sequenced free-living fungal organisms, is comprised of 4,285 genes -roughly 300 times fewer base pairs than are found in the human genome. A common fungus that lives on the skin of humans, M. globosa feeds off of fatty external lipids. Humans naturally secrete sebum and other lipids onto the scalp, creating a prime environment for M. globosa to thrive. The human scalp can host up to 10 million M. globosa. Symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis occur when three factors come together: genetic susceptibility for an inflammatory response, the presence of sebum on the scalp and the presence of M. globosa.
Sequencing Story
Due to the earlier use of less-accurate culture-based technologies, scientists incorrectly assumed for years that dandruff was caused by a different type of fungus (Malassezia furfur). With the use of molecular science and bioinformatics, the team uncovered the correct fungal species, eventually leading to the complete sequencing through a unique step-by-step process.
Beyond Dandruff
In addition to genome implications for humans, this information will be important to researchers studying agricultural science. M. globosa is closely related to multiple common plant pathogenic fungi that cause disease on corn, wheat and other important food source crops. Comparative genomic studies are now underway that could lead to new strategies for managing these related crop diseases.
Corn smut (Ustilago maydis) fungi
"A complete genomic sequencing of a Malassezia genome opens tremendous opportunities for researchers," said Thomas Dawson, PhD, a Principal Scientist at P&G Beauty and the principal author of the PNAS study. "It's amazing that the understanding of the genetic make-up of a microscopic organism can have broad implications ranging from human health to agricultural science."