Scientists Uncover Hidden Microbial Activity on Human Skin

A*STAR researchers developed a method to analyze microbial RNA directly from skin, described in Nature Biotechnology. Cutibacterium acnes accounts for 46–90% of microbial DNA but only 2–31% of RNA, while Malassezia fungi and staphylococci are more active than DNA analysis suggests.

• Metatranscriptomics method tested on 5 skin sites in 27 healthy adults
• Cutibacterium acnes: 46–90% DNA but only 2–31% RNA
• Over 20 genes affecting skin microbial interactions found
• Unstudied bacteriocins, natural antimicrobial compounds, discovered