Title:Porphyrin Metabolisms in Human Skin Commensal Propionibacterium acnes Bacteria: Potential Application to Monitor Human Radiation Risk
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): M. Shu, S. Kuo, Y. Wang, Y. Jiang, Y.-T. Liu, R.L. Gallo and C.-M. Huang
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Biomarker, biosynthesis, commensal bacteria, cancer, gamma radiation, microbiome, P. acnes, porphyrins, radiation risk, skin
Abstract: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, is a commensal organism in human skin. Like human
cells, the bacteria produce porphyrins, which exhibit fluorescence properties and make bacteria visible with a Wood's lamp. In this
review, we compare the porphyrin biosynthesis in humans and P. acnes. Also, since P. acnes living on the surface of skin receive the
same radiation exposure as humans, we envision that the changes in porphyrin profiles (the absorption spectra and/or metabolism) of P.
acnes by radiation may mirror the response of human cells to radiation. The porphyrin profiles of P. acnes may be a more accurate reflection
of radiation risk to the patient than other biodosimeters/biomarkers such as gene up-/down-regulation, which may be non-specific
due to patient related factors such as autoimmune diseases. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and possible solutions for using the P. acnes
response to predict the radiation risk.