This page combines the scientific theory of the diversity of cellular relationships in the skin, the history of the idea, the monograph "Phenotypic Dermatology" atlas "Dermatovenerology: observations in photographs", information about publications, patents, research, technologies, responses to criticism and prospects for the development of phenotypic dermatology.
Phenotypic dermatology is a field of dermatology that considers the phenotype of skin cells as the basic unit of analysis of the pathological process.
Unlike the traditional morphological approach, phenotypic dermatology focuses on the objective study of the subpopulation composition of skin cells, their functional state and intercellular interactions. This is a look inside the skin, at the level of its cells, to their phenotypes and complex intercellular relationships. Here, the unit of analysis is not the morphological element, but the living cell and its place in the tissue orchestra.
Based on the flow cytometry method and the technologies I have developed, it is possible to objectively measure what previously escaped the eye: the composition of subpopulations of skin cells, their dynamics, the degree of interaction and response. These data are combined into a "skin cytoimmunogram" — a skin map that allows you to prescribe accurate, personalized treatment. This opens the way to a more scientific, accurate and honest dermatology of the future.
The path I chose required going beyond the usual clinical logic. I had to turn to conceptual analysis to find a language to describe new phenomena. After all, it is the diversity of intercellular relationships that gives rise to properties that determine skin health or disease. Delving into this diversity takes dermatology to a new level — the phenotypic one. He allows you to say,
"What is there is measurable, even if the doctor doesn't see it."
Arguing that the phenotype of a subpopulation of cells becomes the "unit of measurement" of the skin condition, I am aware of the radical message, but at the same time the need for such a sharp turn in the diagnostic thinking of a dermatologist, since it opens up a wide class of research tasks and new therapeutic possibilities. How can you resist?
Phenotypic dermatology is a new scientific paradigm in which the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases are based not on visual signs, but on objective characteristics of cellular phenotypes and their interactions.
Unlike classical dermatology, which is based on the description of the morphological elements of the rash, phenotypic dermatology considers the skin as a dynamic system of subpopulations of cells and the immune microenvironment.
The methodological basis is flow cytometry and the skin cytoimmunogram method developed by me, a method for obtaining and analyzing viable cell suspensions that allows us to determine the subpopulation composition of cells, their phenotypes and functional state. This approach makes it possible to move from subjective diagnosis to a precision (accurate and measurable) assessment of skin condition, where the "unit of measurement" is the cell phenotype rather than the clinical symptom.
Phenotypic dermatology combines the ideas of cell biology, immunology and systems analysis, creating the basis for personalized therapy.
It opens the way to predicting the course of diseases, choosing optimal treatment methods, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions. Thus, the theory forms the foundation for a new, scientifically based and measurable dermatology – the dermatology of phenotypes.
This is how phenotypic dermatology appeared, as a prerequisite for the need to go beyond the visual-descriptive stage and move to the phenotypic level.
This transition opens up new horizons for doctors and researchers: from more accurate diagnosis to predictable treatment results.
After 30 years of clinical practice as a dermatologist, I dared to say out loud: The usual diagnosis based on rashes and morphological elements no longer meets the demands of the time. It traps the doctor in subjectivity: "a dermatologist treats what he sees, and sees what he knows." But sore skin is much more than a collection of spots, papules, plaques, and other rash elements.
The book is based on an officially registered scientific discovery: a method of separating skin cells while preserving their viability. Its use is already yielding specific clinical results, which are described in detail in the monograph.
This publication is aimed at dermatologists, from students to professors. First, it can become the basis for future research. The second is a demonstration of how old problems are solved in a new way, when the usual morphology gives way to the phenotype and function of skin cells.
Buy the printed version
At the same time, I would like to highlight the book, which has become a prerequisite in the scientific search from observation to understanding. In fact, both books present a consistent ontology of a new type of dermatology, in which the stages are clearly traced.:
1. Dermatovenerology. Observations in photos about:
→ Observation
→ morphology
→ language of the symptom
2 . Phenotypic dermatology pro:
→ discrimination
→ the cell
→ language of explanation
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More than 14 years of research
The theory was formed as a result of many years of observations, experimental work and the search for objective methods for assessing the condition of the skin. During this time, the scientific and technological base was formed, which made it possible to move from hypotheses to measurable parameters.
Development of methods for obtaining viable skin cells
One of the key stages was the creation of a technology for isolating a viable heterogeneous population of skin cells while maintaining their functional activity. This opened up the possibility of direct investigation of the cellular composition of the skin by flow cytometry.
Creation of a skin cytoimmunogram
Based on the obtained cell suspensions, the skin cytoimmunogram method was developed — a method for quantifying the subpopulation composition of cells, their phenotypes and functional state. The method allows an objective investigation of processes that were previously unavailable for direct measurement.
The patent foundation
The developed technologies are protected by patents of the Russian Federation. The patent portfolio covers methods for obtaining and analyzing skin cells, devices for activating reparative processes, as well as regenerative therapy technologies.
Clinical trials
The developed methods were used in the study of various pathological conditions of the skin, processes of inflammation, regeneration and wound healing. The data obtained formed the basis for the further development of the phenotypic approach to diagnosis and therapy.
Scientific publications
The research results are presented in scientific articles, reports, abstracts, patents, and the monograph "Dermatology: from Observation to Understanding." The publication activity reflects the gradual formation and development of the concept of phenotypic dermatology.
Phenotypic dermatology relies on experimental data, objective measurement technologies, and long-term research practice, combining advances in cell biology, immunology, and clinical dermatology.
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Skin is a complex cellular ecosystem
The skin is not a set of individual cells, but a complex system of interconnected cellular subpopulations and elements of the microenvironment that continuously interact with each other to maintain its structure and functions.
The phenotype of a cell is more important than its type
The behavior of a cell is determined not only by its origin, but also by its current functional state. It is the phenotype that reflects the activity of the cell, its role in the pathological process and participation in intercellular interactions.
The disease is the result of a violation of intercellular interactions
Many skin diseases do not occur due to changes in individual cells, but due to a disruption in communication between cell populations and elements of the immune microenvironment.
The condition of the skin can be measured objectively
Modern methods of cell analysis make it possible to obtain quantitative data on the composition of skin cells, their phenotypes and functional state, transferring diagnostics from the field of subjective observations to the field of measurable indicators.
Treatment should be phenotypically based
The choice of therapy should take into account not only the clinical manifestations of the disease, but also the characteristics of the cellular phenotypes underlying the pathological process, which opens the way to personalized treatment.
How does phenotypic dermatology differ from classical dermatology?
Classical dermatology mainly relies on a visual assessment of the skin and a description of the morphological elements of the rash. Phenotypic dermatology complements this approach with the study of the cellular composition of the skin, cell phenotypes and their interactions, allowing us to move from observation to objective measurement of the processes underlying the disease.
Does it replace traditional dermatology?
No. Phenotypic dermatology is not opposed to classical dermatology, but develops it. Clinical examination, the doctor's experience and morphological diagnostics retain their importance, but are complemented by modern methods of objective analysis of the skin condition.
Is the theory proven?
The theory is based on many years of research, patents, the development of a method for obtaining viable skin cells, skin cytoimmunograms, and other technologies. Its provisions continue to be developed and verified in scientific and clinical research.
Is it possible to use it in practice today?
Yes. Certain technologies of phenotypic dermatology are already used in scientific work, research and solving practical problems. As methods evolve and data accumulates, the scope of their application will expand.
Where is the training conducted?
Individual technologies and concepts of phenotypic dermatology are taught through educational programs, research projects, publications, and specialized events. Information about the available training formats is published on this website.
What is the "unit of measurement" in phenotypic dermatology?
In phenotypic dermatology, the phenotype of a subpopulation of skin cells becomes the main unit of analysis — a set of its functional characteristics that determine the role of the cell in the norm and in the disease. It is the phenotype that allows us to move from describing the symptoms to understanding the mechanisms of the pathological process.
Phenotypic diagnosis
The transition from visual assessment of the skin to an objective analysis of cellular phenotypes and their interactions. This approach allows us to better understand the mechanisms of the disease and identify pathological processes even before the appearance of pronounced clinical manifestations.
Digital skin models
Creation of virtual skin models combining data on cellular composition, phenotypes and intercellular interactions. Such models can be used to predict the course of diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment methods.
AI analysis of phenotypes
Using artificial intelligence technologies to process large amounts of cellular data. Algorithms are able to identify hidden patterns, classify phenotypes, and help doctors make more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Personalized therapy
Selection of treatment based on the individual characteristics of the cellular microenvironment of the patient. The goal is not only to eliminate the symptoms, but also to influence the specific mechanisms of the disease underlying the pathological process.
Phenotypic medicine
A new stage in the development of medicine, in which diagnosis, prognosis and treatment are based on an objective analysis of cellular phenotypes. This approach is able to combine the achievements of cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics and clinical practice.
Biobanking of skin cells
Creation of systematic collections of skin cells and their phenotypes for scientific research, development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Biobanks form the basis for the accumulation of knowledge and the development of personalized medicine of the future.
"If the transition from observation to understanding has really taken place, then the next step is inevitable — understanding must become manageable."
Sergey Goltsov
is the author of the theory of phenotypic dermatology
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