The Propionibacterium acnes genome: from the laboratory to the clinic.

The genome of Propionibacterium acnes, the microbe presumed to be at least partially etiologic for the development of acne, has recently been decoded. The genome supports long-standing concepts regarding acne pathogenesis, but also demonstrates heretofore unknown and/or unsuspected bacterial properties, which might play a role in disease occurrence. In turn, understanding the genome may lead to new therapeutic avenues, as summarized in this manuscript.