Biography
Professor Maurice van Steensel studied medicine at the University of Nijmegen (the Netherlands) obtaining his MD in 1996. During his study, he was active in clinical genetics research and trained in molecular genetics. After graduating, he completed a cum laude PhD in genetics and dermatology, whilst training to become a dermatologist.
In 2006, Dr van Steensel completed his dermatology training and in 2008 became associate professor and vice-chair of the department of Dermatology in Maastricht. He was appointed full professor in 2010 and joined the Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore as a Senior Principal Investigator in February, 2014. In January 2015, Professor Maurice became professor of Dermatology in the School of Medicine, University of Dundee, United Kingdom. In November 2015, he was appointed Honorary Visiting Professor in Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Professor Maurice joined the Skin Research Institute of Singapore full-time as a founding Research Director in June, 2017 and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine as a full Professor in September of that year.
He is an internationally renowned expert in genetic skin disorders with over two decades of clinical and research experience in the field. His published work runs the gamut from clinical trials to ciliary biology. His present research focuses on the identification of novel active compounds for treating skin conditions.
Research interests
Our group is interested in the pathogenesis of acne, a very common skin disease. We have recently elucidated the genetic underpinnings of some ultra-rare inherited disorders that are associated with severe acne. The causative gene defects are all involved in the same biological pathway. We hypothesize that common acne is caused by acquired or genetic dysfunction of this particular pathway. Using a variety of in vitro and in vivo tools, we aim to test our hypothesis and use our insights for the development of novel treatments.
Maurice also runs the Sebaceous Gland Lab jointly with Xin Hong Lim. The Sebaceous Gland Lab seeks to decipher normal and pathological sebaceous gland differentiation, with the ultimate goal of understanding acne. Specifically, we aim to establish how sebaceous gland morphogenesis and function are controlled using an integrated approach leveraging mouse models, organotypic cell culture and studies of human material. The work makes extensive use of advanced imaging and -omics techniques, and involves close collaboration with industry. The ultimate goal is to develop platforms for the development of novel drugs for the treatment and prevention of acne and allied conditions.