Characterising human sebum using NMR approaches

We have recently shown that skin secretions in particular sebum, has a critical diagnostic role in other diseases unrelated directly to the skin. Sebum is a lipid-rich, oily secretion produced from the sebaceous gland1. This biofluid is commonly associated with skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and seborrhoea. Skin can act as a sink to many small molecules that are either endogenously produced or result from changing skin microbiota that interacts with wax, lipids and esters present in skin secretions. In Parkinson’s disease and tuberculosis, these small molecules often produce a distinct smell that can diagnose the disease. Even though the basic makeup of skin is known; due to exposure to external factors, not much is known about the skin metabolome. The skin metabolome consists of the metabolites produced endogenously from the secretory glands and the exposome. Excretory products of skin microbiota and carbon consumption from the lipid-rich sebum are also essential components of the skin metabolome. Exposure to environmental effects, diet and lifestyle could change skin microbiota. The skin pH, skin secretion, hydration and trans-epidermal water loss are vital in determining the fate of skin microbiota. Skin microbiota homeostasis could be a promising new target in the screening or risk assessment of many diseases. The skin metabolome remains uncharacterised partially due to its complexity and lack of understanding of unknown species. Characterisation of these unknown species using analytical approaches could lead to a better understanding of host skin and skin microbiota symbiosis in health and disease. Structural elucidation of metabolites using tandem mass spectrometry and NMR approaches can yield accurate identification of molecules from complex biofluids. 

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in analytical chemistry or related subject areas.

Funding

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EDI

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