John Common PhD

Dr John Common is a Principal Investigator at A*STAR, Skin Research Labs and previously held the same position at A*STAR, Institute of Medical Biology. John’s laboratory focuses on studying skin biology, the mechanisms of skin barrier function, and inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata.

In the area of skin barrier and immunopathogenesis, John together with Steven Thng has set up the National Atopic Dermatitis Program to catalyze the promote research into atopic dermatitis. John’s lab plays an instrumental role in anchoring the main theme of studying molecular mechanisms, identifying novel biomarkers, and immunopathology of atopic dermatitis. In addition to this, the lab also investigates host-microbiome and host-environmental interactions to better understand the beneficial or detrimental roles of microbes and environmental stimuli via the skin. By investigating molecular mechanisms of skin health and disease we will break new ground in the understanding of skin biology, specifically in the area of how environment/microbiomes interact with the skin and influences the immune system.

John obtained his PhD from the Centre for Cutaneous Research, Queen Mary University of London in 2004. His thesis on characterizing the genetic and functional analysis of epidermal connexins was carried out under the supervision of Professor David Kelsell. During this time, John identified several connexin mutations associated with human skin disorders including novel mutations in GJB4. While in London, he also identified the first recessive mutation in desmoplakin that results in skin disease with cardiomyopathy. John moved to Singapore in 2005 for his Postdoctoral training with Birgit Lane, working on disease mechanisms of keratin disorders. In Birgit’s lab working closely with clinical collaborators, they established a genetics program to study rare disorders of the skin and also more common diseases such as acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis.