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Molecular Studies of Skin Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapy

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 942

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea
Interests: skin cancer; skin aging; multiomics; skin pigmentation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multiomics studies, which integrates genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have significantly advanced our understanding of skin diseases. These approaches enable researchers to unravel the complex molecular mechanisms that underlie various conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, skin aging, and skin cancers. By examining the interplay of genetic variants, gene expression changes, protein interactions, and metabolic alterations, multiomics studies reveal distinct disease phenotypes and identify biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, these comprehensive insights inform the development of targeted therapies, enabling the application of personalized treatment strategies. As multiomics continues to evolve, it holds the potential to transform the landscape of skincare and dermatological therapies, offering promise for improved clinical outcomes and enhancing the quality of life of patients affected by skin diseases. In this Special Issue, we welcome contributions that focus on recent advances in molecular research on skin diseases, with the aim of shedding light on the underlying mechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Soon Hyo Kwon
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • multiomics
  • genomics
  • transcriptomics
  • proteomics
  • metabolomics
  • skin diseases

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 4198 KB  
Article
Gentamicin and Citronella-Derived Compounds as Dual Modulators of Inflammation-Associated Targets in Acne Vulgaris
by Adeola Tawakalitu Kola-Mustapha, Muhabat Adeola Raji, Samah H. O. Zarroug and George Oche Ambrose
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110628 - 31 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder driven by a combination of microbial colonization, immune dysregulation, and disruption of the epidermal barrier. Although isotretinoin remains the most effective treatment, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects are incompletely understood. This study integrates [...] Read more.
Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder driven by a combination of microbial colonization, immune dysregulation, and disruption of the epidermal barrier. Although isotretinoin remains the most effective treatment, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects are incompletely understood. This study integrates transcriptomic meta-analysis and computational drug screening to identify novel therapeutic targets and candidate compounds for acne management. Three publicly available GEO datasets (GSE6475, GSE10433, GSE11792) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with isotretinoin response. Among these, Spectrin beta, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) and Signal-induced proliferation-associated 1-like protein 1 (SIPA1L1) emerged as consistently regulated genes with known roles in cytoskeletal organization and immune signaling, respectively. To assess the druggability of these targets, molecular docking was conducted using gentamicin and natural compounds derived from Cymbopogon winterianus, including citronellol, citral, citronellal, and geraniol. Gentamicin demonstrated the strongest binding affinity to SIPA1L1 (−8.6 kcal/mol) and SPTBN1 (−5.9 kcal/mol), forming multiple hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Subsequent 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of the gentamicin–protein complexes, as evidenced by favorable RMSD, RMSF, and energy profiles. Interaction energy decomposition revealed strong contributions from electrostatic and van der Waals forces. These findings highlight the potential of gentamicin, and possibly structurally related natural compounds, as modulators of host inflammatory pathways implicated in acne. The study further underscores the utility of integrating transcriptomics, molecular docking, and MD simulation for early-phase therapeutic discovery targeting inflammation and barrier dysfunction in dermatological diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Skin Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapy)
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Review

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30 pages, 1222 KB  
Review
Isosorbide Diesters: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Applications in Skin and Neuroinflammatory Disorders
by Ratan K. Chaudhuri and Thomas A. Meyer
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411855 - 9 Dec 2025
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Abstract
Isosorbide fatty acid diesters constitute a novel class of bioactive compounds with emerging therapeutic applications in inflammatory and barrier-compromised disorders. Among them, isosorbide dicaprylate (IDC) and isosorbide di-linoleate/oleate (IDL) synergistically strengthen epidermal barrier integrity, enhance stratum corneum hydration, regulate keratinocyte differentiation, suppress proinflammatory [...] Read more.
Isosorbide fatty acid diesters constitute a novel class of bioactive compounds with emerging therapeutic applications in inflammatory and barrier-compromised disorders. Among them, isosorbide dicaprylate (IDC) and isosorbide di-linoleate/oleate (IDL) synergistically strengthen epidermal barrier integrity, enhance stratum corneum hydration, regulate keratinocyte differentiation, suppress proinflammatory signaling, and beneficially modulate the skin microbiome. Randomized, double-blind clinical trials in both pediatric and adult populations with atopic dermatitis (AD) demonstrate that topical IDC + IDL formulations significantly reduce pruritus, corticosteroid dependence, and Staphylococcus aureus colonization while improving sleep quality, disease severity scores, and overall quality of life. Extending applications within and even beyond dermatology, isosorbide dimethyl fumarate (IDMF)—a next-generation fumarate derivative designed to mitigate sensitization risk—exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities through NRF2 activation and NF-κB/IRF1 suppression. Preclinical studies in psoriasis and neuroinflammatory models, including multiple sclerosis, reveal robust modulation of oxidative stress and immune pathways with improved safety and mechanistic precision compared to conventional fumarates, although its systemic use remains exploratory and requires clinical validation. Collectively, isosorbide diesters emerge as multifunctional therapeutic agents offering barrier repair, immune modulation, and inflammation control, representing promising alternatives to corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants across dermatologic and systemic inflammatory disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Studies of Skin Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapy)
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