# Dr Aayush Gupta: research programmes

> Dr Aayush Gupta, Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Source: https://aayushgupta.co/research (updated 2026-10-15).

Seven research programmes run from the top of the skin to the bottom, from cameras that read the surface to scaffolds that rebuild the dermis.

## Imaging and diagnostics (Above the skin surface)
A point-of-care multispectral imaging device with artificial intelligence was tested against standard care for leg ulcers in leprosy in a within-person randomised pilot trial. A real-time fluorescence imaging device guided antibiotic treatment in superficial skin infections, and a handheld screening device detects skin and soft tissue infections. He holds a United States patent and two Indian patents, assigned to Adiuvo Diagnostics, on devices and systems that detect pathogens and other cells.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/imaging-and-diagnostics

- A Within-Person Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Evaluate the Ability of a Point-of-Care Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Multispectral Imaging Device to Manage Leg Ulcers in Leprosy. *Advances in Skin & Wound Care*, 2025. Senior author. [doi:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000349](https://doi.org/10.1097/ASW.0000000000000349)
- A Rapid Point-of-care Fluorescence Imaging Device Helps Prevent Graft Rejection Post Modified Radical Mastectomy. *Journal of Global Infectious Diseases*, 2024. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/jgid.jgid_148_23](https://doi.org/10.4103/jgid.jgid_148_23)
- Utility of a real-time fluorescence imaging device in guiding antibiotic treatment in superficial skin infections. *Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology*, 2021. Senior author. [doi:10.25259/ijdvl_856_19](https://doi.org/10.25259/ijdvl_856_19)
- Rapid handheld screening device to detect skin and soft tissue infections. *Proceedings of SPIE*, 2020. [doi:10.1117/12.2546404](https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2546404)

## Ichthyosis and genodermatoses (Stratum corneum)
Severe autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis carries a heavy psychosocial burden for patients and families, and secukinumab reduced its inflammation but improved scaling only mildly. His group contributed to IndiGenomes, a resource of genetic variants from over 1,000 Indian genomes, and uses whole exome sequencing to diagnose rare genodermatoses. An ICMR grant funded a topical transglutaminase-1 nanocomplex for enzyme replacement, and a DBT grant starting in December 2026 will test non-viral delivery in a TGM1-deficient 3D human skin model.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/ichthyosis-and-genodermatoses

- When biologics fail: Tofacitinib-induced remission in a child with severe, genetically ambiguous psoriasis. *Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology*, 2026. Senior author. [doi:10.25259/ijdvl_1055_2025](https://doi.org/10.25259/ijdvl_1055_2025)
- Disrupted cholesterol biosynthesis and hair follicle stem cell impairment in the onset of alopecia. *PLoS ONE*, 2025. [doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0308455](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308455)
- A Rapid and Scalable Multiplex PCR-Based Next-Generation Amplicon Sequencing Method for Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Screening. *The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine*, 2024. [doi:10.1093/jalm/jfae089](https://doi.org/10.1093/jalm/jfae089)
- Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with xanthomas and a recurrent mutation. *Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology*, 2024. [doi:10.25259/IJDVL_980_2023](https://doi.org/10.25259/IJDVL_980_2023)
- Dermoscopic Correlation of an Eccentric Case of Kindler Syndrome. *Cureus*, 2024. Senior author. [doi:10.7759/cureus.58433](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.58433)
- Psychosocial impact of severe autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. *British Journal of Dermatology*, 2023. Senior author. [doi:10.1093/bjd/ljad456](https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad456)
- Secukinumab significantly reduces inflammation but only mildly improves scaling in four cases of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. *Clinical and Experimental Dermatology*, 2022. Senior author. [doi:10.1111/ced.15373](https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.15373)
- Genetic epidemiology of autoinflammatory disease variants in Indian population from 1029 whole genomes. *Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology*, 2021. [doi:10.1186/s43141-021-00268-2](https://doi.org/10.1186/s43141-021-00268-2)
- Plexiform Neurofibromatosis. *Scopus record*, 2021. Senior author. Scopus 2-s2.0-85131199223
- Pharmacogenomic Landscape of Covid-19 Therapies From Indian Population Genomes. *Pharmacogenomics*, 2021. [doi:10.2217/pgs-2021-0028](https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs-2021-0028)
- The long noncoding RNA MALAT1 suppresses miR‐211 to confer protection from ultraviolet‐mediated DNA damage in vitiligo epidermis by upregulating sirtuin 1. *British Journal of Dermatology*, 2020. [doi:10.1111/bjd.19666](https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19666)
- IndiGenomes: a comprehensive resource of genetic variants from over 1000 Indian genomes. *Nucleic Acids Research*, 2020. [doi:10.1093/nar/gkaa923](https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaa923)
- Genomics of rare genetic diseases: experiences from India. *Human Genomics*, 2019. [doi:10.1186/s40246-019-0215-5](https://doi.org/10.1186/s40246-019-0215-5)
- Case Report: Whole exome sequencing helps in accurate molecular diagnosis in siblings with a rare co-occurrence of paternally inherited 22q12 duplication and autosomal recessive non-syndromic ichthyosis. *F1000Research*, 2015. First author. [doi:10.12688/f1000research.6779.1](https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.6779.1)
- Whole‐exome sequencing solves diagnostic dilemma in a rare case of sporadic acrokeratosis verruciformis. *Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology*, 2015. [doi:10.1111/jdv.12983](https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.12983)
- Ultrastructural Investigations in an Autosomal Recessively Inherited Case of Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria. *Acta Dermato-Venereologica*, 2014. First author. [doi:10.2340/00015555-2030](https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2030)

## Vitiligo and pigment biology (Basal layer and melanocytes)
Vitiligo skin carries a lower ultraviolet signature than non-melanoma skin cancers, and its epidermis shows a strong anti-skin cancer signature in miRNA networks. The long noncoding RNA MALAT1 and the microRNA miR-31-5p both protect melanin-deficient vitiligo keratinocytes against ultraviolet damage to DNA. An ANRF grant now funds an immune-competent 3D human skin model of vitiligo.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/vitiligo-and-pigment-biology

- Nevus of Ota. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, 2026. [doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2026.08.038](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2026.08.038)
- microRNA miR-31-5p confers protection to melanin-deficient vitiligo keratinocytes against UV-B induced DNA damage by activating autophagy machinery. *Scientific Reports*, 2026. [doi:10.1038/s41598-026-53841-5](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-53841-5)
- Minimal erythema dose variability in Indian skin: clinical implications across pigmentary and inflammatory dermatoses. *Clinical and Experimental Dermatology*, 2025. Senior author. [doi:10.1093/ced/llaf440](https://doi.org/10.1093/ced/llaf440)
- Stem cell factor-mediated upregulation of SIRT1 protects melanin-deprived keratinocytes against UV-induced DNA damage in individuals with vitiligo. *The FASEB Journal*, 2024. [doi:10.1096/fj.202400550R](https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202400550R)
- Meta‐analysis reveals a lower ‘UV signature’ in vitiligo skin compared to non‐melanoma skin cancers. *Experimental Dermatology*, 2024. [doi:10.1111/exd.15164](https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.15164)
- Vitiligo. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, 2024. Senior author. [doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.040](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.040)
- Whole-Exome Sequencing of Vitiligo Lesions Indicates Lower Burden of Somatic Variations: Implications in Risk for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. *Journal of Investigative Dermatology*, 2022. [doi:10.1016/j.jid.2022.11.018](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2022.11.018)
- Genome-wide profiling reveals pervasive transcriptional alterations in fibroblasts derived from lesional skin in vitiligo including a reduced potential to proliferate. *Experimental Dermatology*, 2022. [doi:10.1111/exd.14702](https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14702)
- Differential regulation of miR-21-5p delays wound healing of melanocyte-deprived vitiligo skin by modulating the expression of tumor-suppressors PDCD4 and Maspin. *Journal of Cellular Physiology*, 2021. [doi:10.1002/jcp.30614](https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.30614)
- Integrated analysis of miRNA‐mRNA networks reveals a strong anti‐skin cancer signature in vitiligo epidermis. *Experimental Dermatology*, 2021. [doi:10.1111/exd.14317](https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14317)
- The long noncoding RNA MALAT1 suppresses miR‐211 to confer protection from ultraviolet‐mediated DNA damage in vitiligo epidermis by upregulating sirtuin 1. *British Journal of Dermatology*, 2020. [doi:10.1111/bjd.19666](https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19666)
- Lesional skin in vitiligo exhibits delayed in vivo reepithelialization compared to the nonlesional skin. *Wound Repair and Regeneration*, 2020. First author. [doi:10.1111/wrr.12798](https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12798)
- Correlating impairment of quality of life and severity of melasma: A cross-sectional study of 141 patients. *Indian Journal of Dermatology*, 2018. First author. [doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_10_17](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_10_17)
- Mapping architectural and transcriptional alterations in non-lesional and lesional epidermis in vitiligo. *Scientific Reports*, 2017. [doi:10.1038/s41598-017-10253-w](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-10253-w)
- Quality of life in vitiligo: Relationship to clinical severity and demographic data. *Pigment International*, 2017. First author. [doi:10.4103/2349-5847.219684](https://doi.org/10.4103/2349-5847.219684)

## Procedures and pain (Epidermis and dermis)
In a split-lesion study, vibration-assisted anaesthesia reduced pain during dermatologic procedures, and Qtanea Solutions now makes the vibration device, Vybe. Fractional CO2 laser delivery of topical corticosteroids hastened resolution of plaque sarcoidosis, and a laser technique has been applied to the upper airway to treat habitual snoring. Other papers compare platelet-rich plasma with microneedling for androgenetic alopecia.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/procedures-and-pain

- Ectopic acanthosis nigricans at a post-syndactyly surgical site: An unusual reactive epidermal phenomenon. *Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery*, 2026. [doi:10.25259/jcas_267_2025](https://doi.org/10.25259/jcas_267_2025)
- Laser-Based Rejuvenation of the Upper Airway: A Novel Non-Surgical Approach to Habitual Snoring. *Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences*, 2026. Senior author. [doi:10.34172/jlms.51118](https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.51118)
- Vibration-Assisted Anesthesia Reduces Pain in Dermatologic Procedures: A Split-Lesion Study. *Dermatologic Surgery*, 2025. [doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000004850](https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000004850)
- Comparative study of platelet rich plasma therapy versus microneedling as a treatment modality for androgenetic alopecia. *IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology*, 2025. [doi:10.18231/j.ijced.2025.032](https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijced.2025.032)
- Cutaneous Granulomatous Reaction Secondary to Mesotherapy. *Dermatitis*, 2024. Senior author. [doi:10.1089/derm.2023.0358](https://doi.org/10.1089/derm.2023.0358)
- Fractional CO2 laser-induced delivery of topical corticosteroids hastens resolution of localized plaque sarcoidosis. *Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery*, 2023. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/jcas.jcas_68_22](https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_68_22)
- Deoxycholic Acid Injection in the Management of Difficult-to-Remove Subcutaneous Lipomas. *Dermatologic Surgery*, 2022. Senior author. [doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003343](https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000003343)
- Improvement in the quality of life of a patient of ectodermal dysplasia with reconstructive surgeries. *Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery*, 2019. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/jcas.jcas_17_19](https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_17_19)

## Leprosy and infection (Dermal nerves)
He is the principal investigator at Dr. D.Y. Patil on LIGHT, a Phase 3 Johnson & Johnson trial of bedaquiline in multibacillary leprosy, and on a Phase 0 study of plasma PGL-I for treatment monitoring. His clinical papers cover leprosy, the differential diagnosis of leonine facies, scrofuloderma and nodular secondary syphilis with granulomatous inflammation.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/leprosy-and-infection

- Comment on Case Series of Kaposi’s Varicelliform Eruption Associated with Underlying Primary Dermatoses. *Indian Journal of Dermatology*, 2026. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_858_25](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_858_25)
- Global, regional, and national burden of HIV/AIDS, 1990–2023, with the estimated burden attributable to intimate partner violence and forecasted impacts of funding cuts through 2030: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. *The Lancet HIV*, 2026. [doi:10.1016/s2352-3018(26)00147-5](https://doi.org/10.1016/s2352-3018(26)00147-5)
- Revisiting Leonine Facies: Toward More Inclusive Differential Diagnoses. *Indian Dermatology Online Journal*, 2026. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_890_25](https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_890_25)
- Internalized stigma, not disability, drives quality‐of‐life loss in leprosy: A structural analysis. *Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology*, 2026. Senior author. [doi:10.1111/jdv.70436](https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.70436)
- A Within-Person Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Evaluate the Ability of a Point-of-Care Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Multispectral Imaging Device to Manage Leg Ulcers in Leprosy. *Advances in Skin & Wound Care*, 2025. Senior author. [doi:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000349](https://doi.org/10.1097/ASW.0000000000000349)
- Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy. *JEADV Clinical Practice*, 2025. Senior author. [doi:10.1002/jvc2.70028](https://doi.org/10.1002/jvc2.70028)
- Scrofuloderma in a 27-year-old woman. *Canadian Medical Association Journal*, 2025. Senior author. [doi:10.1503/cmaj.241407](https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.241407)
- Leprosy. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, 2024. Senior author. [doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2024.04.019](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.04.019)
- Mucormycosis: An Addendum to India’s COVID-19 Woes. *Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth*, 2023. [doi:10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_857_22](https://doi.org/10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_857_22)
- Nodular secondary syphilis with granulomatous inflammation. *Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS*, 2022. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_91_21](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_91_21)
- SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infection following a previous infection in a healthcare worker. *Journal of Infection*, 2021. First author. [doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2021.10.008](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2021.10.008)
- Utility of a real-time fluorescence imaging device in guiding antibiotic treatment in superficial skin infections. *Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology*, 2021. Senior author. [doi:10.25259/ijdvl_856_19](https://doi.org/10.25259/ijdvl_856_19)
- Rapid handheld screening device to detect skin and soft tissue infections. *Proceedings of SPIE*, 2020. [doi:10.1117/12.2546404](https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2546404)
- Giant molluscum contagiosum unmasked probably during an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. *Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS*, 2018. First author. [doi:10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_60_16](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_60_16)
- Human demodex mite: The versatile mite of dermatological importance. *Indian Journal of Dermatology*, 2014. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/0019-5154.131416](https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.131416)

## Wound healing and tissue engineering (Dermis)
The Bioprinting Laboratory develops injectable granular hydrogels that combine extracellular-matrix mimicry with microporosity for skin tissue engineering. A DBT grant funds an automated spray device for autologous cell-grafted bioscaffolds. In vitiligo skin, miR-21-5p delays wound healing by regulating PDCD4 and Maspin.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/wound-healing-and-tissue-engineering

- Bioorthogonally reinforced injectable granular hydrogels synergizing ECM mimicry with microporosity for skin tissue engineering. *Biomaterials Science*, 2026. [doi:10.1039/d6bm00379f](https://doi.org/10.1039/d6bm00379f)
- Differential regulation of miR-21-5p delays wound healing of melanocyte-deprived vitiligo skin by modulating the expression of tumor-suppressors PDCD4 and Maspin. *Journal of Cellular Physiology*, 2021. [doi:10.1002/jcp.30614](https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.30614)

## Quality of life (The whole patient)
In leprosy, internalised stigma rather than disability drives the loss of quality of life. His group has related quality of life to clinical severity in vitiligo, acne, melasma and keloids, and measured the psychosocial impact of severe congenital ichthyosis.
Page: https://aayushgupta.co/research/quality-of-life

- Internalized stigma, not disability, drives quality‐of‐life loss in leprosy: A structural analysis. *Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology*, 2026. Senior author. [doi:10.1111/jdv.70436](https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.70436)
- Body Focused Repetitive Behavior at an Unusual Site and in an Unusual Pattern - Symmetrical Trichotillomania. *International Journal of Trichology*, 2025. [doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_95_23](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_95_23)
- Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on healthcare workers in a Tertiary Healthcare Center in India: a cross sectional study. *Scientific Reports*, 2024. Senior author. [doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50317-8](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50317-8)
- Psychosocial impact of severe autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis. *British Journal of Dermatology*, 2023. Senior author. [doi:10.1093/bjd/ljad456](https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad456)
- Quality-of-life of people with keloids and its correlation with clinical severity and demographic profiles. *Wound Repair and Regeneration*, 2022. Senior author. [doi:10.1111/wrr.13015](https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.13015)
- Trichotillomania. *Scopus record*, 2022. Senior author. Scopus 2-s2.0-85131075787
- Improvement in the quality of life of a patient of ectodermal dysplasia with reconstructive surgeries. *Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery*, 2019. Senior author. [doi:10.4103/jcas.jcas_17_19](https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_17_19)
- Correlating impairment of quality of life and severity of melasma: A cross-sectional study of 141 patients. *Indian Journal of Dermatology*, 2018. First author. [doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_10_17](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_10_17)
- Quality of life in vitiligo: Relationship to clinical severity and demographic data. *Pigment International*, 2017. First author. [doi:10.4103/2349-5847.219684](https://doi.org/10.4103/2349-5847.219684)
- Measuring severity of acne vulgaris and impairment in quality of life of its patients and aiming for their concomitant reduction facilitates comprehensive management. *Journal of Health Research and Reviews*, 2016. First author. [doi:10.4103/2394-2010.193186](https://doi.org/10.4103/2394-2010.193186)
- Quality of life in acne vulgaris: Relationship to clinical severity and demographic data. *Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology*, 2016. First author. [doi:10.4103/0378-6323.173593](https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.173593)