We study host-microbiome-environment
interactions at the skin surface
Why study skin microbiome?
The skin provides the first line of defense for all vertebrates. An effective skin barrier is essential to life and protects the underlying organs from dehydration, inflammation, environmental exposure, and infections. The skin houses the skin microbiome which is unique and distinct in its composition and plays a critical role in educating the skin barrier defenses. Our lab aims to identify molecular and biochemical mechanisms that mediate microbial symbiosis with host skin.
Overview of our research
Slide show of research directions
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Research interests
We study the intricate interplay between the skin, its microbiome, and the environment, delving deep into how they respond to challenges like injury, skin diseases, and external stimuli. Our holistic approach aims to unravel the secrets of skin health and resilience.
Skin barrier homeostasis
We showed (Uberoi, et al., Cell Host & Microbe, 2021) that skin barrier function, epidermal differentiation, and recovery are dependent on commensal microbiota. However, mechanisms by which microbes regulate epithelial function, in presence of environmental insults are unknown. Check out this video explaining this area of research.
Wound infections
Barrier breach exposes underlying tissue to microbial contamination, which can lead to infection and delayed wound healing. Microbiota can influence each stage of the multi-factorial repair process and whether an infection ensues (Uberoi, et al., 2020). We are interested in understanding how emerging and understudied pathogens impact epithelial repair.
Skin cancer
Host-microbiome dynamics during development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of stratified epithelia are unexplored. We are especially interested in understanding if, and how skin microbiome affects progression of virus-dependent (Uberoi & Lambert, 2017) and virus-independent SCCs.
