Suki Blythe

Changes to the skin microbiome or "dysbiosis" can be associated with inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, acne, and psoriasis, but also occurs during ageing. In particular, ageing is characterised by a thinning epidermis and a decrease of lipids in the stratum corneum, subsequently affecting the skin microbiome. With a broad focus on ageing and barrier function, my project seeks to identify novel metabolites from skin-associated microbes and to elucidate their effects on keratinocytes and 3D skin organoids, specifically focussing on changes in proliferation and differentiation markers in the epidermis. I am further investigating how synergistic interactions between bacterial taxa can provide colonisation resistance against pathogens. As excess inflammation is a key hallmark in acne affected skin, I will be evaluating the effect of chosen metabolites on the keratinocyte’s inflammatory response.