Identifying potential biomarkers associated with sebum production, pore enlargement, and comedones using transcriptomic approaches

The molecular mechanisms underlying skin pore issues—excessive sebum secretion, pore enlargement, and comedone formation—remain poorly defined. We collected skin samples from four groups—dry skin without enlarged pores (DNEP), oily skin without enlarged pores (ONEP), oily skin with enlarged pores (OEP), oily skin with pores and comedones (OEPC)—measured physiological parameters, identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) via RNA sequencing, conducted KEGG/GO enrichment analysis for DEGs, and used Spearman correlation analysis to explore gene expression-physiological parameter relationships. Group comparisons revealed key genes and pathways: sebum production (DNEP vs. ONEP) involved lipid synthesis and vesicle transport, with EXOC3 and TGFA correlating with sebum content and skin texture. Pore enlargement (ONEP vs. OEP) implicated focal adhesion, immune processes, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, with ALOX5, RIPOR2, and ITGA2 linked to pore perimeter and area. Comedogenesis (OEP vs. OEPC) involved anatomical structure development and cellular differentiation, with BMP4, TENT5A, and CD28 correlating with pore volume, sebum, and roughness. This study highlights eight core genes (TGFA, EXOC3, ALOX5, RIPOR2, ITGA2, BMP4, TENT5A, CD28) and immune-inflammatory/ECM-receptor pathways as significantly associated with pore phenotypes, suggesting promising therapeutic targets.