[Translational research in dermatology].

Ongoing advances in the understanding of skin diseases have transformed dermatology as a specialty. 1 More detailed knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of various skin disorders has given rise to new conceptual approaches and innovative forms of treatment, revolutionizing everyday dermatological practice. This shift would not have taken place without a constant flow and transfer of information between clinical, biomedical, and pharmacological research. For decades now, steady advances in specialties such as immunology, molecular biology, and genetics, along with exponential progress in technological innovations (microarrays, system automation) have been progressively incorporated into dermatological research. 2 This is the essence of translational research: the transformation of knowledge of the human body both in health and in illness into relief for those who suffer from a variety of diseases. 3 In this opinion article, I would like to share my own experience of translational research in dermatology, and also to express a certain degree of concern about the possible consequences of uncompetitive translational research in Spain. The rapid development of new knowledge of the pathological mechanisms involved in skin diseases has had a direct impact on the incorporation of new treatment approaches into dermatological practice. Translational research invariably involves greater complexity, and additional effort is required to incorporate new knowledge which is not at present being taught in dermatology training programs. 4 Experience with pharmaceutical research and development of new drugs for use in dermatology clearly indicates a growing tendency to improve our knowledge of the intrinsic nature of dermatoses in order to identify potential new drug targets to help us expand the therapeutic arsenal as quickly as possible. As a result, less and less time elapses between the identification of a new drug target and the clinical development of a corresponding drug. In what follows I will mention some examples of the use of this kind of information in the treatment of some of the most prevalent skin diseases. Psoriasis constitutes an excellent example of the application of translational research to a skin disease. 5 New treatments for psoriasis are a clear example of this phenomenon, which links together scientists engaged in basic research, specialists in dermatology, and the patients themselves, each making a distinctive contribution to the process. In the past 2 decades, the translational research agenda for psoriasis has been very active and several innovative agents—mainly biologics—have been studied clinically. The identification of immunoinflammatory mechanisms …