Acne Genetics and Genetics
2 min readIt’s long been believed that there’s no direct link between acne and genetics, but there is now some evidence that this may not be the case. A new study from Professor Jonathan Baker and colleagues in the Genomic Medicine Group has uncovered a genetic link between acne and a certain genetic variant. This connection could lead to more effective treatments for acne patients. However, the most popular drug for treating acne, isotretinoin (Roaccutane), has severe side effects, including birth defects in women who are pregnant.
The cause of acne is a mixture of dirt, excess oil, and bacteria blocking the skin’s pores. Acne may manifest itself as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts. In addition to physical appearance, acne can also cause emotional distress. Researchers have identified two genes that increase the risk of acne: the FST gene, which affects oil production, and the TGFB2 gene, which controls sebaceous gland development. However, other factors, including age and gender, can also increase the severity of acne.
The three most common genetic polymorphisms associated with acne severity have yet to be determined. Although they do influence immune and inflammatory responses, the exact mechanisms by which these polymorphisms affect the severity of acne remain unclear. In general, though, some genetic polymorphisms have been identified that are associated with increased acne risk. While there are many genes associated with acne, these genetic markers are only a small portion of the total genetic makeup.
Acne is a complex disease that has a strong genetic component. Genetics of acne is still in its infancy. Genetic differences have been found in acne twins and have been associated with postadolescent acne. Genetic studies have also demonstrated associations between acne and chromosomal abnormalities and HLA phenotypes. In addition, family studies have revealed that acne genetics is a strong contributor to the development of acne. However, further research is needed to determine whether the link between family history and acne is a strong one.
While acne is a complex disease that cannot be cured through medication, there is some genetic information that can help prevent and treat acne. Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands, and knowledge of the underlying genetic factors could lead to effective treatments. There is no cure for acne, but research continues to uncover new findings. In the meantime, the knowledge gained can help researchers find a cure for acne.
To determine if acne genetics are associated with the development of severe acne, researchers examined the genes and gene variants in over 20,000 patients. The National Institute of Health supported the study, which was led by the St John’s Institute of Dermatology at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College London, and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane. They found that certain genes are associated with severe acne.