The Malassezia

Genome
Factors
Causing
Project
Dandruff
Free
PT

Skin
irritation

Malassezia
Fungal Cell
Extra
Zn
ZPT
Free
Zn

Malassezia fungus

h&s scientists have taken the understanding of the

causes of dandruff to a new level.
Revealing the complete genome sequence of
Malassezia globosa, the fungus responsible for the
onset of dandruff.
The research findings will enable continued
development of treatments for a condition that
affects more than 50% of the global population.
This work leads a new era of research in the field
of dandruff, its causes, and its treatment.

Scalp oil

The Work

Why Malassezia globosa?

2.5

100
90

percentage of subjects

80
70

1.5

60
50

40
30

0.5

20
10

0
malassezia malassezia malassezia malassezia
furfur
slooffiae sympodialis
obtusa

malassezia malassezia
restricta
globosa

Our studies utilized methods to assess the

presence of different fungus species (based on
DNA sampling) AND their lipase activity (based
on enzymology).
Malassezia globosa is the most likely causative
agent of dandruff, based on prevalence AND
enzyme activity

How Malassezia Lipid

Metabolism can cause
inflammation
Malassezia
Fungal Colony
Lipase
Sebaceous
Lipid Layer

Lipids

Skin surface

Corneocyte

Hydrolysis of
Triglycerides

Barrier Breach
Proliferation

Consumption
of Lipids

Penetration of fatty
acids diglycerides

Sequencing the Malassezia globosa genome was

achieved by applying molecular biology and
biochemistry techniques:
Isolation of genomic DNA
Generation of 76,900 plasmid clones
Integration of 153,600 random
sequencing reactions
Completion of the total sequence by 1,500
finishing sequences
Annotation of the complete genome
Identification of over 500 secreted proteins
via proteomics

The Results
Malassezia globosa is the first Malessezia species
to be sequenced:
4285 Protein coding genes
Amongst the smallest genomes of free-living
eukaryotic cells
300x smaller than the human genome
Malassezias adaptation to the skin environment
and pathogenicity are due to unique metabolic
limitations and capabilities discovered by this study
The closest relative of Malassezia globosa is
Ustilago maydis a common crop pathogen
(corn smut).
Presence of mating type genes - likely capable of
having sexual interactions (further evidence for
highly efficient adaptation)

Comparative
Genomics and
Proteomics
Malassezia globosa genome encodes for 14
lipases, 9 phospholipases,
Most lipases expressed on scalp, not in medium
8 lipases expressed, 3 phospholipases expressed
Conclusion: secreted enzymes enable
lipid-depended lifestyle on scalp
Future targets for AD treatment