Dr Lee Sze Han
Dr Lee Sze Han
Platform Lead
Email: Lee_Sze_Han@a-star.edu.sg
Research Themes: Skin metabolomics, Mass spectrometry, Spatial molecular imaging, Skin microbiome, Atopic dermatitis, Skin ageing and Translational skin biology.
Biography
Dr Lee Sze Han is Senior Scientist II and Platform Lead of the Skin Omics Platform at A*STAR Skin Research Labs, with a joint appointment at the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute. He obtained his BSc and PhD from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Pharmacy, and trained at the interface of analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and translational biomedical research. His expertise lies in mass spectrometry-based profiling of metabolites and lipids, particularly in skin-related applications spanning inflammation, barrier biology, ageing, and host–microbiome interactions.
At A*STAR, Dr Lee has built and led advanced omics capabilities that support both internal and external research programmes, including Asian Skin Microbiome Programme 2.0 (ASMP2.0), Cutaneous Ageing Programme (CAP), Atopic DErmatitis research Program for patienTs (ADEPT), Research on Probiotic, Lifestyle and Nutritional Interventions to Support Brain Healthspan (REPLENISH). His work has contributed to the development of targeted metabolite panels, spatial molecular imaging workflows, biomarker discovery efforts, and translational outputs including technology disclosures and patent filings.
Research Interests
Dr Lee Sze Han leads the Skin Omics Platform at A*STAR Skin Research Labs, where he develops and applies metabolomics and spatial mass spectrometry workflows to interrogate skin biology and disease. His work focuses on understanding how molecular pathways in skin are shaped by host physiology, ageing, inflammation, and interactions with the skin microbiome. Using platforms such as LC-MS, MALDI, and DESI mass spectrometry imaging, his team measures metabolites, lipids, and other small molecules in complex matrices including skin tape strips, wound fluid, plasma, tissues, and cell-based models.
His current research spans atopic dermatitis, acne, wound biology, healthy skin maintenance, and microbiome-derived bioactives. He also drives capability development in spatial metabolomics and translational chemical biology, with the aim of discovering biomarkers, characterising disease mechanisms, and identifying therapeutic or postbiotic leads relevant to skin health.
Selected Publications
Szondi DC, Crompton RA, Oon L, Subramaniam N, Tham KC, Lee SH, Williams H, Pennock J, Lim TC, Bonnard C, Wong J. A role for arginase in skin epithelial differentiation and antimicrobial peptide production. British Journal of Dermatology. 2025 Jul;193(1):125-35.
Szondi DC, Crompton RA, Oon L, Subramaniam N, Lee SH, Lopez-Castejon G, Wong J, Cruickshank SM, Vardy LA. Keratinocyte arginase 1 regulates proinflammatory responses and drives re-epithelialization via lipocalin 2. British Journal of Dermatology. 2025 Nov;193(5):924-35.
Teo VX, Bi R, Lee SH, Chan J, Thng ST, Olivo M, Dinish US. Non‐Invasive Depth Profiling of Base Cosmetic Formulations in the Skin Using Handheld Confocal Raman Spectroscopy. Journal of Biophotonics. 2025 Jun;18(6):e202400423.
Ayyangar U, Karkhanis A, Tay H, Afandi AF, Bhattacharjee O, Ks L, Lee SH, Chan J, Raghavan S. Metabolic rewiring of macrophages by epidermal-derived lactate promotes sterile inflammation in the murine skin. The EMBO Journal. 2024 Feb 28;43(7):1113.
Chan DY, Surendra NK, Ng YZ, Lee SH, Yong E, Hong Q, Goh CC, Lai TP, Tan AH, Law CC, Liang S. Prospective study on the clinical and economic burden of venous leg ulcers in the tropics. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. 2023 Sep 1;11(5):954-63.
Lee SH, Mahendran R, Tham SM, Thamboo TP, Chionh BJ, Lim YX, Tsang WC, Wu QH, Chia JY, Tay MH, Goh BY. Tryptophan–kynurenine ratio as a biomarker of bladder cancer. BJU international. 2021 Apr;127(4):445-53.
Lee SH, Mahendran R, Tham SM, Thamboo TP, Kioh DY, Tang LW, Chiong E, Esuvaranathan K, Chan EC. Combination Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 inhibitor therapy of murine orthotopic bladder cancer. BJU international. 2020 Nov;126(5):554-6.