Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a skin physiology, pathology, and treatment model.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a useful model in experimental biology. Within dermatology research, several studies have examined this organism's role in skin physiology, pathology, and treatment. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to explore the mechanisms of melanogenesis as its extract inhibits key enzymes involved in melanogenesis and melanosome transfer. Additionally, the lack of probiotic intestinal Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been associated with psoriasis, potentially related to the anti-inflammatory effects of the yeast. Furthermore, antibodies against Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been observed in skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae may even cause skin infections, such as septic emboli in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. Lastly, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has potential use in vaccine development against melanoma and is utilized to study various treatment modalities such as zinc pyrithione, an ingredient often used in anti-dandruff shampoo.