Multi-omics analysis reveals the host-microbe interactions on the dysbiosis of tissue microbiota in male genital lichen sclerosus-induced urethral strictures

Our study combined full-length 16S rDNA sequencing, transcriptome data, and clinical information from MGLSc patients to explore the relationships between host-microbe interactions and the development of tissue dysbiosis in MGLSc. Importantly, through staining for lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid, as well as full-length 16S rDNA sequencing, we identified, for the first time, the presence of microorganisms distribution pattern in lichen sclerosus prepuce tissue. Significant differences in the abundance of unclassified Muribaculaceae, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Finegoldia magna</i>, and other taxa were observed between the prepuce of MGLSc patients and controls. These differences were associated with altered gene expression in MGLSc patients, while the differential microbiota, in turn, influenced host gene expression. Although patterns of host-microbe interactions varied across populations, dysbiosis was linked to key clinical indicators in MGLSc patients. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of dysbiosis in MGLSc pathogenesis, laying a foundation for understanding disease progression and identifying potential biomarkers.