Skin metabolites (<1500 Da) play a critical role in barrier function, hydration, immune response, microbial and allergen invasion. Microbes that colonize the skin have a large reservoir of active enzymes that metabolize molecules, drive metabolic reprogramming of cells, and influence immune responses. In addition, keratinocytes and immune cells of the skin actively metabolize nutrients present in their microenvironment. Our previous work has shown that exposome such as UV radiation affect the microbiome. Certain species of the microbiome can metabolize immunosuppressive molecules (e.g., urocanic acid) present in the superficial layers of the skin, thereby affecting immune function. In this study, we aimed to understand the global metabolic profile changes of the skin in relation to the microbiome and UV exposure. We exposed germ-free and wild-type specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice to immunosuppressive dose of UV radiation. Untargeted lipidome and metabolome profiling was measured from skin tissue with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Our results show that various metabolites such as alanine, choline, glycine, glutamine, and histidine are differentially regulated by UV in germ-free mice, in contrast to SPF mice. Various membrane lipid species such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin were also influenced by UV in dependence of the microbiome. Taken together, our results shed new light on the dynamics between the skin metabolome, microbiome, and UV exposure. These results open new avenues for the development of metabolite- or lipid-based skin applications to maintain skin health.

ESDR513 - Ultraviolet radiation exposure differentially regulates skin metabolites in dependence of the microbiome

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.