Promising Breakthrough: New Bacteria-based Acne Treatment Shows Potential"

Dealing with acne is a common challenge, especially for teenagers, but it can affect anyone. While mild cases have some treatments, severe acne often resorts to antibiotics, which come with unpleasant side effects. However, a recent study led by the Translational Synthetic Biology Laboratory at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain introduces a potential game-changer – a new acne treatment created from engineered bacteria.

The researchers targeted Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium residing in the skin associated with acne. They ingeniously modified this bacterium to produce a molecule that effectively treats acne. How does it work? Well, this molecule is secreted into the skin, specifically in the region that regulates sebum, an oily substance. When there's an excess of sebum mixed with dead skin cells, it can lead to blocked follicles and acne. The engineered bacterium aims to prevent this from happening, offering a targeted approach to acne treatment.

Nastassia Knödlseder, the first author of the study, highlighted the approach's uniqueness, saying, "We have developed a topical therapy with a targeted approach, using what nature already has." The idea is to harness the power of bacteria that naturally resides on the skin to address specific skin conditions. Knödlseder also emphasized the potential broader applications of this technology, beyond just acne treatment.

Traditionally, C. acnes was considered a challenging bacterium to work with, making it difficult to introduce DNA and produce or secrete proteins from its genome. However, the researchers successfully overcame this hurdle, opening doors for potential advancements in skin-related therapies.

To test the effectiveness of this innovative treatment, scientists conducted trials on mice. Although successful in these initial trials, the researchers emphasized the need for further investigation, recognizing that mice skin differs from human skin. The next step involves using 3D models of human skin to validate the treatment's effectiveness and safety.

"We have developed a technology platform that opens the door to editing any bacteria to treat multiple diseases," stated Marc Güell, a researcher leading the study. While the primary focus is on using C. acnes for acne treatment, the platform's potential extends to other applications, such as creating smart microbes for skin sensing or immune modulation.

Güell highlighted the broader implications of the technology, explaining, "By focusing on in-vivo delivery of genetic cargoes to the microbiome, Eligo’s technology goes beyond traditional gene therapy and gene editing." The goal is to modify the human microbiome with precision, paving the way for addressing various chronic and life-threatening diseases triggered or driven by bacterial gene expression.

In essence, this breakthrough presents a promising avenue for developing tailored bacterial treatments, offering hope for those struggling with acne and potentially revolutionizing the approach to addressing a range of diseases. As research progresses, the collaboration between nature and science may provide solutions that are not only effective but also minimize the unwanted side effects associated with traditional treatments.

In conclusion, the journey to combat acne has taken a fascinating turn with the use of engineered bacteria. The potential of this innovative approach extends beyond acne treatment, showcasing the power of leveraging nature's existing elements to address specific health challenges. As scientists continue to explore and refine this technology, it could mark a significant milestone in the realm of skin therapies and open new possibilities for treating various diseases at the genetic level.

Summary..Eligo, a biotech company, harnessed a groundbreaking discovery to combat specific bacteria in the microbiome. The team utilized CRISPR technology, delivering it into bacteria to induce a double-strand break in their chromosomes. Since prokaryotic cells lack the repair machinery for such breaks, it results in the bacteria's demise. This insight sparked the idea for a highly-precise antimicrobial mechanism of action with real-world applications.To implement this concept, Eligo stripped the bacteria of its natural genetic components and replaced them with a synthetic DNA payload. This payload, housed in a virus shell, enables targeted delivery to specific bacterial populations in the microbiome. Initially encoding the CRISPR-Cas system, including the nuclease and guide RNAs, Eligo expanded its capabilities to incorporate base editors. Unlike killing bacteria, these editors modify the bacterial genome, presenting a versatile approach to address diseases caused by specific bacteria. Eligo's mission revolves around translating this innovation into biotech solutions, creating drugs to meet unmet needs and tackle microbiome-related diseases. The company's synthetic DNA payload and modular approach showcase a promising avenue for precise and effective antimicrobial interventions.