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 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 canonical 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 inflammation, with ADM and PLAUR correlating with sebum content. Pore enlargement (ONEP vs. OEP) implicated ECM remodeling and immune processes, with IL27RA, MTOR, and PTAFR linked to skin roughness and elasticity. Comedogenesis (OEP vs. OEPC) involved lipid metabolism and differentiation, with ACADVL and CHST11 correlating with sebum and roughness. This study highlights seven core genes (ADM, PLAUR, IL27RA, MTOR, PTAFR, ACADVL, CHST11) and immune-inflammatory/ECM-receptor pathways as critical drivers of pore phenotypes, suggesting promising therapeutic targets.