Project title: “Multi-omics analysis of host–microbiome interplay in hidradenitis suppurativa”
Acronym: HSOmics
Project code: PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-1449
Contract number: TE 139 / 01.08.2025
Implementation period: 01.08.2025 – 31.07.2027
State budget funding: 473,640.00 RON
Scientific field: Life Sciences/ Health
Coordinator: “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest
Project director: Senior Lecturer, MD, PhD Mara Mădălina Mihai
Project summary
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition with a recurrent course, manifested by painful abscess-type lesions, sinus tract formation, and pathological scarring, predominantly located in skin folds. The disease occurs frequently in young adults and is associated with a considerable impact on quality of life, as well as significant psychosocial disorders. Diagnosis is often delayed, and available therapeutic options are limited, costly, and may involve significant risks, including long-term antibiotic administration in a global context marked by increasing antimicrobial resistance.
The pathogenic mechanisms of HS are complex and result from the interaction of multiple factors, including genetic susceptibility, environmental factors (psychosocial stress, diet, smoking, among others), imbalances of the cutaneous and intestinal microbiome, and alterations of the host immune response. Recent data indicate the involvement of the microbiome and bacterial biofilms in the initiation and persistence of chronic inflammation; however, the functional relationships between the host and microbial communities are not yet fully elucidated.
In this context, the present project aims to perform a detailed analysis of the host–microbiome interaction in hidradenitis suppurativa, using an integrated multi-omics approach. Correlating clinical, imaging, microbiological, and immunological data obtained through non-invasive methods will enable the identification of relevant biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic response, including in the context of modern therapies such as cold plasma devices or negative pressure wound therapy, with the ultimate goal of supporting the development of personalized and more effective management strategies.
Project objectives
O1. To establish a study cohort comprising a statistically significant number of patients diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa, through the collection of detailed clinical data using standardized questionnaires, assessment of disease severity by dermatological ultrasonography, and collection of the biological material required for the conduct of research activities.
O2. To characterize the microbiological profile of hidradenitis suppurativa lesions by analyzing bacterial species diversity, virulence factors, and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods.
O3. To characterize the gut microbiome of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods.
O4. To investigate the host inflammatory response to colonization of hidradenitis suppurativa lesions by analyzing the local cytokine profile and proteolytic activity (wound fluid), as well as systemic biochemical and serological biomarkers.
O5. Project management and dissemination of the obtained results.
Expected results
The implementation of this project is expected to generate detailed information regarding the microbiological and inflammatory characteristics of HS and to highlight relevant links between the structure of the cutaneous and intestinal microbiome, the expression of bacterial virulence factors, activation of host immune mechanisms, and clinical manifestations of the disease. Integration of these data will allow a better understanding of the biological heterogeneity of HS and will support the identification of clinically applicable biomarkers useful for assessing the risk of disease progression, monitoring therapeutic response, and stratifying patients according to their biological profile.
Beyond its scientific impact, the project has the potential to contribute to the optimization of clinical practice by supporting therapeutic decisions tailored to individual patient characteristics, including in the context of modern adjunctive therapies. The results obtained may provide a basis for reducing empirical antibiotic use and for guiding more targeted interventions, with favorable implications for inflammation control and the costs associated with disease management.
From an institutional perspective, the project will strengthen expertise in advanced fields such as multi-omics analyses, experimental dermatology, and precision medicine, facilitating the development of sustainable infrastructure and competencies. At the same time, it will encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and scientific partnerships at both national and international levels, contributing to the integration of the research team into relevant academic networks.
The active involvement of young researchers, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows will support their professional development through access to modern research methods, dissemination activities, and opportunities for scientific advancement. Project results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals with impact factor, presentations at national and international conferences, and, where the nature of the results allows, through the initiation of intellectual property protection procedures, thereby contributing to increased visibility and impact of the conducted research.
