Understanding how specific enzymes from bacteria affect acne
Official title: Pathogenic and protective roles of strain-specific P. acnes hyaluronidases in acne
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-10653696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of acne-causing bacteria can affect your skin, especially by examining certain enzymes that can either make acne worse or help keep your skin healthy, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat acne.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $479,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI141401-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from acne vulgaris, particularly those who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acne caused by factors unrelated to P. acnes or those who do not respond to bacterial treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of different strains of the bacteria P. acnes in causing acne, focusing on specific enzymes called hyaluronidases. These enzymes can either promote inflammation, leading to acne, or reduce inflammation, contributing to healthy skin. The study will explore how these enzymes interact with the immune system and the skin's structure, using both clinical strains and genetically modified bacteria in a mouse model. The ultimate goal is to develop new strategies for preventing or treating acne based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent or reduce acne.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of bacterial enzymes in skin conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murali, Ramachandran — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Murali, Ramachandran
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A small research grant is developing a highly specific enzyme therapy to kill the acne-causing bacteria without disturbing good skin or gut bacteria.
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New bacteria-targeting enzymes to fight acne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.