The Genetic Basis of Dermatophytosis Skin Infection Susceptibility

    March 2026 in “ Nature Communications ”
    Hele Haapaniemi, Reyhane Eghtedarian, Anniina Tervi, Jesse Valliere, FinnGen, Erik Abner, Antti Palomäki
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    TLDR Genetic factors, skin barrier, immune function, and obesity influence risk of fungal skin infections.
    A genome-wide association meta-analysis involving over 250,000 cases and 1.37 million controls identified 30 significant genetic loci associated with dermatophytosis, a fungal infection affecting skin, nails, and hair. Key associations were found near genes such as ZNF646, HLA-DQB1, FLG, FTO, SLURP2, and KRT77. The study highlights the importance of keratin biology, skin barrier integrity, immune function, and obesity in the risk of developing dermatophytosis. Additionally, genetic overlap with other skin conditions and obesity-related traits was observed, offering insights into potential prevention and treatment strategies.
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