A systems biology approach to understand the role of skin microbiome in healing of micro-wounds on the face and neck

This project is funded by the Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and Procter & Gamble

Abstract

The human skin microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health. For example, skin microbiota speeds up skin regeneration and repair of acute wounds. Skin healing after micro-wounding varies between body sites – specifically two notable locations where healing rates vary are the skin on the face and the skin on the neck. While healing is faster on the neck, shaving this location also results in more ingrown hairs than the face. Ingrown hairs are problematic because they elicit inflammation and cause bumps, which razor blades can cut upon the next shave, creating an ongoing cycle of skin damage and irritation. 

This MRes + PhD project aims to understand the skin microbiome’s roles in healing micro-wounds on the face and neck and propose solutions that leverage the skin microbiome to enhance skin healing to address shave-induced nicks and cuts. We will take an interdisciplinary approach first developing computational models that describe an intricate dynamic interplay between skin microbes and cells, then subsequently we will experimentally evaluate model predictions in vitro. 

Specifically, we will first develop a computational model of stable communities of dominant microbes from healthy skin that describes the dynamic interactions between skin microbes and cells, considering the effects of environmental factors (pH, humidity, immune response and nutrients). These computational models will be based on metabolomics and microbiome profiling data that will be collected by the student, from hair follicles on the face and neck at the start of the PhD. We will use the mathematical model to decide how the skin microbiome and environmental factors impact micro-wounds healing processes by evaluating the intrinsic healing properties of epithelial cells isolated from hair follicles on the face and neck. This research will allow us to devise therapeutic strategies to mitigate or augment both micro-wounds healing and trapped hairs after shaving.

This project is highly multi-disciplinary to create multi-scale understanding of the role of skin microbiome in wound healing process. The ideal student for this project will have experience in conducting systems biology projects and developing computational models of biological systems with a keen interest in learning skin microbiome biology. A strong computational and mathematical background is required. There will be a broad range of training available across many bioengineering skills, including the opportunity to work in vivo and in vitro, and many networking opportunities given the supervisory team spans the Imperial College London, P&G Reading Innovation Centre, and Northumbria University.

Supervisors

• Dr Claire Higgins (Department of Bioengineering, Imperial)
• Professor Reiko Tanaka (Department of Bioengineering, Imperial)
• Dr Ben Almquist (Department of Bioengineering, Imperial)
• Dr Leigh Knight (Procter & Gamble)
• Dr Kous Shah (Procter & Gamble)

Deadline: 3 June 2024

Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis and the studentship awarded when a suitable candidate is found.