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Anyone who doubts that notion that scalp heath is really all about skin heath, are missing the boat. Procter & Gamble scientists are focused on a fungus called Malassezia, which can cause dandruff, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. It’s also associated with skin cancer. Malassezia is a type of yeast that feeds on fatty lipids that are naturally secreted. Partially digested lipids can irritate the skin, but it’s unknown why this can lead to chronic disease, according to P&G.
The link between dandruff and the two species of Malassezia was discovered by P&G inventor Thomas Dawson and his team of scientists in 2007. That led to improvements in the formula for Head & Shoulders. Dawson, who left P&G earlier this year after more than 16 years with the company, was principal author of a new paper that recounted how a team of scientists completed the first comprehensive genomic and biologic study of all species of Malassezia. The study, which has implications for dermatology and immunology, was published in the November issue of PLOS Genetics.
“This new information will allow us to better understand healthy versus unhealthy skin and hopefully learn to modulate the skin microbiome so as to transform unhealthy into perfect, healthy skin,” Dawson told the Cincinatti Business Courier.
Dawson, who was an adjunct assistant professor of biology at Miami University in Oxford while with P&G, is now senior principal investigator at the Institute of Medical Biology at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.
“This study helps us understand how a microscopic organism that lives on the skin can give rise to a common disease like eczema … as well as to serious conditions like skin cancer,” said Benjamin Seet, executive director of A*STAR’s Biomedical Research Council. “Our partnership with P&G opens doors to important research that will benefit patients suffering from these conditions.”
Jim Schwartz, a P&G research fellow, said the Malassezia study provides insight into incurable yet treatable conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
“The continued investment in understanding the fundamental nature of these organisms allows a more in-depth appreciation of how and why they trigger the annoying symptoms that reduce quality of life,” Schwartz said. “Being at the forefront of research in this field assures our therapeutic product technology will likewise represent state-of-the-art efficacy now and in the future.”
The link between dandruff and the two species of Malassezia was discovered by P&G inventor Thomas Dawson and his team of scientists in 2007. That led to improvements in the formula for Head & Shoulders. Dawson, who left P&G earlier this year after more than 16 years with the company, was principal author of a new paper that recounted how a team of scientists completed the first comprehensive genomic and biologic study of all species of Malassezia. The study, which has implications for dermatology and immunology, was published in the November issue of PLOS Genetics.
“This new information will allow us to better understand healthy versus unhealthy skin and hopefully learn to modulate the skin microbiome so as to transform unhealthy into perfect, healthy skin,” Dawson told the Cincinatti Business Courier.
Dawson, who was an adjunct assistant professor of biology at Miami University in Oxford while with P&G, is now senior principal investigator at the Institute of Medical Biology at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.
“This study helps us understand how a microscopic organism that lives on the skin can give rise to a common disease like eczema … as well as to serious conditions like skin cancer,” said Benjamin Seet, executive director of A*STAR’s Biomedical Research Council. “Our partnership with P&G opens doors to important research that will benefit patients suffering from these conditions.”
The team sequenced the genomes of all known Malassezia, which enabled the scientists to identify reasons the fungi might thrive on human skin. As a result, scientists can begin figuring out ways to control the fungi and restore healthy skin, according to researchers.
Jim Schwartz, a P&G research fellow, said the Malassezia study provides insight into incurable yet treatable conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
“The continued investment in understanding the fundamental nature of these organisms allows a more in-depth appreciation of how and why they trigger the annoying symptoms that reduce quality of life,” Schwartz said. “Being at the forefront of research in this field assures our therapeutic product technology will likewise represent state-of-the-art efficacy now and in the future.”
The scientists also discovered a gene unique to Malassezia. By targeting the gene, it might be possible to eliminate Malassezia on human skin or at least weaken its growth, the scientists said. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs that could combat a variety of skin diseases.