skin & beauty

TGFB2

Is Your Skin Prone to Trapping Acne Bacteria? (TGFB2)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on October 6th, 2020

TGFB2 coordinates the growth and healing of skin & prevents bacterial growth in the pores. Which variants are linked to acne? Find out here.

Summary

TGFB2 encodes transforming growth factor-beta2, a signalling protein that coordinates the growth and healing of the skin. Variants of TGFB2 may play a role in acne by failing to regulate keratinocytes, leading to clogged pores. Lifestyle and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by increasing TGF-β2 and opening clogged pores.

TGFB2 and Acne

TGFB2 encodes transforming growth factor-beta2, a signalling protein that coordinates the growth, development, and movement of some types of cells [R].

TGF-β proteins are heavily involved in the growth and healing of the skin. More specifically, TGFB2 slows down the reproduction of a type of skin cells called keratinocytes [R, R, R].

Some amount of keratinocytes are required in healthy skin, but if there are too many, they can clog up hair follicles, providing a place for bacteria to grow and potentially causing acne [R, R, R].

One study found that people with acne tended to have reduced TGFB2 gene activity in their skin, compared to people with clear skin. Researchers also identified one variant in the TGFB2 gene, rs1159268, which was associated with acne [R].

TGFB2 regulates the growth and healing of skin. If TGFB2 is reduced, keratinocytes may reproduce out of control, clogging up hair follicles and allowing the growth of acne bacteria.

Your TGFB2 Results for Acne

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs1159268

TGFB2 rs1159268

‘G’ = Not associated with acne
‘A’ = Associated with increased likelihood of acne
The ‘AA’ genotype may reduce TGFB2 gene expression and is significantly more common in people with severe acne [R].

Recommendations

Light Therapy

In acne-affected skin, light therapy may reduce inflammation by boosting TGF-beta. Red light, blue light, or a combination of the two may help improve acne [R, R, R, R, R].

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells by using a brush/scrub or applying an acid that dissolves them. Exfoliation is believed to help with acne by removing the skin cells that clog pores and allowing anti-acne treatments to penetrate deeper. This process is especially important for people with low-expression TGFB2 variants, who may be more prone to clogged pores [R].

A number of studies support the use of exfoliation with chemicals such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, Jessner’s solution, and phenol as an adjuvant therapy for acne [R].

Another method of exfoliation (microdermabrasion) improved acne and scarring in two small trials [R, R].

Because people with low-expression TGFB2 variants may be more prone to clogged pores, it is especially important to exfoliate dead skin cells.

Aloe Vera

Some cell-based research suggests that aloe may increase the expression of TGFB2 [R].

Aloe vera helps fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing when applied on the skin, making it a popular treatment for a variety of skin conditions [R, R, R].

Aloe components such as lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamic acid, phenols, and sulfur can all fight acne-causing bacteria [R, R].

A topical gel with aloe vera combined with tretinoin cream was more effective for acne than either treatment alone in a clinical trial [R].

In another study, a topical lotion with aloe vera and clove-basil oil improved acne. The higher the concentration of aloe vera in the preparation, the more effective it was [R].

Limited evidence suggests that aloe vera may increase the expression of TGFB2 and help clear acne bacteria if applied to the skin.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More skin & beauty blogs

Genetic Link Between Acne and Inflammation (TNF) Is Your Skin Prone to Trapping Acne Bacteria? (TGFB2) A Gene Linking Bacteria, Inflammation, and Acne (IL4R) A Surprising Genetic Factor for Acne (FST) The Link Between DNA Repair, Oily Skin & Acne (DDB2) A Genetic Link Between an Immune System Protein & Acne (IL8) How a Metabolic Gene Contributes to Acne (PPARG) Cortisol Genetics in Acne Development (HSD11B1) Can Skin Inflammation Cause Acne? (SELL) The Relationship Between Clogged Pores & Acne (IL1A)

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