Scientists discover genetic make-up of acne vulgaris

German scientists at the Gottingen Genomics Laboratory have discovered the genetic make-up of acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a follicular disorder that affects susceptible pilosebaceous follicles, primarily of the face, neck, and upper trunk, and is characterized by both noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions.

By completing the genome sequence of Propionibacterium acnes the team hopes to develop new treatments for the prevention of acne.

The research team sequenced the entire genome of the bacterium and identified 2,333 genes in total.

"We were astonished to see how many genes were involved in degrading the human tissue." said lead scientist Holger Bruggeman.

Acne is a disease of high prevalence and affects many persons in their teen age years. Although peak prevalence may be at age 17, acne may begin as early as age 8 and is not uncommon in the 10- to 12-year-old age group in which it is often overlooked.

Both sexes are affected equally, but males have, on average, greater degrees of severity. A substantial percentage of adults are affected either as a continuation of their teenage acne or its first appearance in the third or fourth decade.

Most cases of acne subside and involute spontaneously and completely within a few years of their onset, but a small percentage remain active. The disease may cause considerable emotional distress because of its appearance, even when the disease has involuted if scarring has taken place. The psychosocial impact on teenagers may be devastating.

The research is reported in the current issue of the journal Science.