Analyzing 3D images of calcinosis and angiogenesis in joint and skin – to treat untreatable disease
Grantee: Mette Mogensen, Chief consultant, Associate Professor, Bispebjerg Hospital/University of Copenhagen
Amount: DKK 391,422
Grant category: LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers
Year: 2025
Geography: Denmark
Patients with skin and joint disease often do not respond well to therapy, particularly if they suffer from calcium stones associated with conditions like scleroderma and psoriatic arthritis. Associate Professor Mette Mogensen will go on a three-month research stay at Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, UK, famous for its valuable research in medical imaging. Subsequently, she will travel to Lund University’s Clinical Center for Spectral and Acoustic Imaging, well-known for exceptional molecular imaging of blood vessels. During these stays, she will gain unique clinical experience in dermato-rheumatology and novel experimental imaging technologies. Through advanced scans of skin and joints, it is possible to observe how severe inflammation leads to formation of new blood vessels and development of hard, painful calcium stones in skin and joints. According to our on-going research, the key to understanding these disease mechanisms lies in mastering innovative scanning methods.
From Minimal Biopsies to Maximal Insights: A Deep Proteomic and Machine Learning Platform for Targeting Fibrosis in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Grantee: Max Sauerland, Postdoc, University of Copenhagen (SIC)
Amount: DKK 1,922,500
Grant category: LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers
Year: 2025
Geography: Denmark
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a painful, long-lasting skin condition that is hard to diagnose and treat. Patients experience a cycle of blocked hair follicles that eventually burst, leading to repeated inflammation and damage. This ongoing injury alters the skin’s structure, creating large permanent scars in intimate areas. Max Sauerland’s research project studies proteins in skin and blood from over 150 HS patients using an innovative biochemical method that extracts data on thousands of proteins from very small samples. By analyzing how these proteins break down, Max and his colleagues aim to find unique markers that help doctors diagnose HS quickly and choose the best treatment. Computer algorithms will sort patients by their protein “fingerprints,” paving the way for personalized care. Ultimately, their work could lead to a fast, simple test not only for HS but also for other similar or rare skin conditions.
The research visit takes place at Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Germany.
Reprogramming a common cutaneous bacterium to increase skin hydration
Grantee: Nastassia Knödlseder, Postdoc, Pompeu Fabra University
Amount: DKK 1,985,000
Grant category: LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers
Year: 2025
Geography: Spain
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally abundant molecule in the human body, with approximately half of its total amount found in the skin, where it plays a critical role in maintaining hydration and viscoelasticity. Cutibacterium acnes, a common skin bacterium predominantly found on the upper body, is generally beneficial to the skin. However, certain strains of C. acnes are capable of inducing inflammation and are linked to acne vulgaris. These strains exhibit HA-degrading activity via the enzyme hylA, which leads to the production of proinflammatory HA fragments.
The proposal hypothesizes that reprogramming C. acnes from a HA-degrading bacterium to a HA-synthesizing one could not only reduce its virulence but also enhance its skin-beneficial functions. To test this, the applicant and the collaborators at AU will create a hylA knock-out strain of C. acnes, replacing the hylA gene with a highly active HA synthase, that has been successfully utilized as a recombinant enzyme for HA synthesis in mice.
The repurposed C. acnes strain will be evaluated in vitro for its (anti-)inflammatory effects on skin cells and in vivo on mouse skin for its engraftment potential and its impact on skin barrier function.
The outcomes of this project may form the basis for exploring the potential of engineered probiotic strains with enhanced host-beneficial properties, ultimately contributing to improved health span.