The skin microbiome, its metabolism of odourless skin secretions and the subsequent generation of axillary malodour, is an area of considerable scientific interest across academic and industrial institutes. Significant advancements have been made recently in our understanding of the biological processes at play, but currently little evidence exists on the role that human genetics contribute to differences in body odour generation and how these differences give rise to altered microbiome profiles.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of ABCC11 has profound phenotypic consequences for odour. Individuals homozygous for the A allele produce a non-functional transporter, resulting in reduced apocrine secretion of odour precursors and dry earwax, while those with the G allele exhibit functional transport, leading to wet earwax and characteristic underarm odour. However, the impacts of deficient transporters, beyond a reduction in odour precursors, are unknown.
Apocrine gland secretions are incompletely characterised, but investigations suggest a lipid and protein rich mixture, including cholesterol, squalene and small organic molecules. Potential alteration in secretions (beyond odour precursors), due to the ABCC11 variant phenotype, gives rise to altered microbiome composition [published by Unilever in 2014 (1), and others (2)].
This PhD at the University of Liverpool in conjunction with Unilever offers an opportunity for the successful applicant to examine the contributing role of the skin microbiome in odour generation. For the first time it will determine the extent to which genetics plays a role in the biological processes of secretions and microbiome. Research will include the analysis of allelic variation of the ABCC11 transporter combined with the skin microbiome, including cutting edge analysis of human skin lipids and metabolites or proteins. Successful progression of this study could lead to application within human clinical studies and determining the impact of proposed interventions for cosmetic applications.
This research will deepen our understanding of host-microbe-lipid interactions in the axilla, and elsewhere, and may elucidate the hitherto unknown contribution of apocrine gland secretions to microbiome composition. The successful student will be based at the University of Liverpool Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
Representative Publications / References
- Harker et al., 2014 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.08.016
- Stevens et al., 2024 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78711-w
- Kenny et al., 2013 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0004344
- Moran et al., 2017 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00033