Skin Commensal Fungus and Its Lipases.

is the most abundant genus in the fungal microflora found on human skin, and it is associated with various skin diseases. Among the 18 different species of that have been identified to date, and are the most predominant fungal species found on human skin. Several studies have suggested a possible link between and skin disorders. However, our knowledge on the physiology and pathogenesis of in human body is still limited. is unable to synthesize fatty acids; hence, it uptakes external fatty acids as a nutrient source for survival, a characteristic compensated by the secretion of lipases and degradation of sebum to produce and uptake external fatty acids. Although it has been reported that the activity of secreted lipases may contribute to pathogenesis of , majority of the data were indirect evidences; therefore, enzymes' role in the pathogenesis of infections is still largely unknown. This review focuses on the recent advances on in the context of an emerging interest for lipases and summarizes the existing knowledge on , diseases associated with the fungus, and the role of the reported lipases in its physiology and pathogenesis.