Non-invasive evaluation of subjective sensitive skin by transcriptomics using mRNA in skin surface lipids

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Sensitive skin is defined by hypersensitivity to stimuli, but its pathophysiology is unclear.
• Current diagnostic methods rely on subjective symptoms and lack objective biomarkers.
• Investigating molecular profiles of sensitive skin can reveal underlying mechanisms and potential diagnostic indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the molecular profiles of self-reported sensitive skin using skin surface lipid-derived RNAs (SSL-RNAs).
• To understand the pathophysiology of sensitive skin by analyzing gene expression.
• To identify potential biomarkers for objective evaluation of sensitive skin.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of RNA from skin surface lipids (SSL-RNAs) obtained non-invasively.
• Transcriptome profiling comparison between sensitive (n=11) and non-sensitive (n=10) skin participants.
• Identification of differentially expressed genes and pathway analysis.

Main Results:

• 417 differentially expressed genes were identified in sensitive skin SSL-RNAs.
• Elevated C-C motif chemokine ligand 17 and interferon-γ pathways were observed.
• Downregulation of 50 olfactory receptor (OR) genes was found, with lower overall OR gene expression in sensitive skin.
• Mean OR gene expression in SSL-RNAs discriminated subjective skin sensitivity (AUC=0.836).

Conclusions:

• SSL-RNA profiles suggest a mild inflammatory state in sensitive skin.
• Olfactory receptor gene expression in SSL-RNAs shows potential as an objective indicator for sensitive skin.
• Further research into SSL-RNA profiles could lead to objective diagnostic tools for sensitive skin.