1
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Yoshioka N. Roles of dystonin isoforms in the maintenance of neural, muscle, and cutaneous tissues. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:7-16. [PMID: 37603210 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00739-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Dystonin (DST), also known as bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (BPAG1), encodes cytoskeletal linker proteins belonging to the plakin family. The DST gene produces several isoforms, including DST-a, DST-b, and DST-e, which are expressed in neural, muscle, and cutaneous tissues, respectively. Pathogenic DST mutations cause hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 6 (HSAN-VI) and epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS); therefore, it is important to elucidate the roles of DST isoforms in multiple organs. Recently, we have used several Dst mutant mouse strains, in which the expression of Dst isoforms is disrupted in distinct patterns, to gain new insight into how DST functions in multiple tissues. This review provides an overview of the roles played by tissue-specific DST isoforms in neural, muscle, and cutaneous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Yoshioka
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
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2
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Capri Y, Bourmance L, Dupont C, Saint-Frison MH, Guimiot F, Grotto S, Chitrit Y, Laquerrière A, Melki J. DST variants are responsible for neurogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita enlarging the spectrum of type VI hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy. Clin Genet 2023; 104:587-592. [PMID: 37431644 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a developmental condition characterized by multiple joint contractures resulting from reduced or absent fetal movements. Through whole-exome sequencing combined with arrayCGH from DNA of a fetus presenting with early onset AMC, we identified biallelic loss of function variants in Dystonin (DST): a stop gain variant (NM_001144769.5:c.12208G > T:p.(Glu4070Ter)) on the neuronal isoform and a 175 kb microdeletion including exons 25-96 of this isoform on the other allele [NC_000006.11:g.(56212278_56323554)_(56499398_56507586)del]. Transmission electron microscopy of the sciatic nerve revealed abnormal morphology of the peripheral nerve with severe hypomyelination associated with dramatic reduction of fiber density which highlights the critical role of DST in peripheral nerve axonogenesis during development in human. Variants in the neuronal isoforms of DST cause hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy which has been reported in several unrelated families with highly variable age of onset from fetal to adult onset. Our data enlarge the disease mechanisms of neurogenic AMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yline Capri
- Clinical Genetics Unit, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1195, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Lucas Bourmance
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1195, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Céline Dupont
- Cytogenetics Unit, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | | | - Fabien Guimiot
- Foetopathology Unit, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-1141, Université Paris Nord, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Grotto
- Maternité Port-Royal, AP-HP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Yvon Chitrit
- Obstetric Department, AP-HP Nord, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | - Annie Laquerrière
- Department of Pathology, Normandie Université, INSERM U1245, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Judith Melki
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1195, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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3
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Al Towijry M, Alanazi AMM, Eldesoky F, Alharthi YH, Albalawi IAS. Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex With Dystonin Gene Mutation: First Reported Case in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e43206. [PMID: 37692655 PMCID: PMC10487254 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a 3-year-old Saudi female patient as the first case reported in Saudi Arabia who is homozygous for dystonin c.3370C>T, p.(Gln1124*). At the age of 3 months, the girl started to develop numerous vesicles and bullae involving the dorsum of the feet that were not on a pressure site, with remission and aggravation, but she had no mucosal lesions or nail affection. The patient was diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa simplex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatma Eldesoky
- Department of Dermatology, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Yousef H Alharthi
- Department of Dermatology, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, SAU
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4
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Wen D, Balacco DL, Bardhan A, Harper N, Walsh D, Ryan G, Liu L, Guy A, McGrath JA, Ogboli M, Heagerty AHM. Localized autosomal recessive epidermolysis bullosa simplex arising from a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in DST (BPAG1). Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:497-502. [PMID: 34806203 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Wen
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Adult Epidermolysis Bullosa Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - D L Balacco
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A Bardhan
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Adult Epidermolysis Bullosa Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Harper
- Adult Epidermolysis Bullosa Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - D Walsh
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - G Ryan
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - L Liu
- National Diagnostic EB Laboratory, Viapath, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Guy
- National Diagnostic EB Laboratory, Viapath, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - J A McGrath
- National Diagnostic EB Laboratory, Viapath, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Ogboli
- Paediatric Epidermolysis Bullosa Unit, Department of Paediatric Dermatology, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - A H M Heagerty
- Adult Epidermolysis Bullosa Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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5
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Ganani D, Malovitski K, Sarig O, Gat A, Sprecher E, Samuelov L. Epidermolysis bullosa simplex due to bi-allelic DST mutations: Case series and review of the literature. Pediatr Dermatol 2021; 38:436-441. [PMID: 33471381 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by skin fragility due to intraepidermal separation. Most cases result from heterozygous mutations in KRT5 or KRT14; however, a minority of affected individuals carry mutations in non-keratin genes including DST encoding an epithelial isoform of dystonin. DST-associated EBS is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. Here, we report a series of EBS patients carrying bi-allelic DST mutations and review previously reported cases aiming to delineate phenotype-genotype correlations. METHODS Whole-exome and direct sequencing were used for variant analysis. Review of previously reported cases was performed. RESULTS Mutation analysis revealed DST mutations in five patients belonging to three families. Two variants have not been previously reported: c.7097dupA (p.Tyr2366X) and c.7429delC (p.Leu2477Serfs*13). We identified an additional six cases in the literature, bringing the total number of individuals affected with EBS due to DST variants to 11. Patients displayed distinctive phenotypes regardless of the causative variant. CONCLUSIONS The current study expands the clinical and genetic spectrum of DST-associated EBS subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Ganani
- Division of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kiril Malovitski
- Division of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Sarig
- Division of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrea Gat
- Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Sprecher
- Division of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Samuelov
- Division of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Makita E, Matsuzaki Y, Fukui T, Matsui A, Minakawa S, Nakano H, Ito K, Kijima H, Sawamura D. Autoantibodies to BPAG1e Trigger Experimental Bullous Pemphigoid in Mice. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1167-1176.e3. [PMID: 33069726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease that targets the hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230/BPAG1e. Whereas the role of anti-BP180 antibodies has been extensively characterized, the pathogenicity of anti-BPAG1e antibodies remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the role of antibodies to BPAG1e in the experimental bullous pemphigoid models. We generated Bpag1 conditional knockout mice, where the knockout of Bpag1 is restricted to keratin 5-expressing epithelial cells. Bpag1 conditional knockout mice were immunized with the C-terminal portion of BPAG1e, and the splenocytes were injected into Rag2-/- mice intravenously. The recipient mice presented with erosion on the feet and tails. Microscopic examination showed subepidermal blisters and a linear deposition of IgG at the dermal-epidermal junction. To assess the potential role of trauma on BP development, we inflicted surface wounds on the dorsum of the Rag2-/- recipient mice after adoptive transfer. The wounded Rag2-/- mice had increased morbidity and severity of BP-like symptoms. Moreover, the depletion of B cells from splenocytes abolished a subepidermal blistering phenotype in vivo. These findings demonstrate that antibodies to BPAG1e might play a pathogenic role in causing subepidermal blistering, and external factors, including trauma, might be a trigger for BP development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiko Makita
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Matsuzaki
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.
| | - Tomohisa Fukui
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Akinobu Matsui
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Satoko Minakawa
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Hajime Nakano
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Ito
- Department of Bioscience and Laboratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kijima
- Department of Pathology and Bioscience, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sawamura
- Department of Dermatology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
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Yoshioka N, Kabata Y, Kuriyama M, Bizen N, Zhou L, Tran DM, Yano M, Yoshiki A, Ushiki T, Sproule TJ, Abe R, Takebayashi H. Diverse dystonin gene mutations cause distinct patterns of Dst isoform deficiency and phenotypic heterogeneity in Dystonia musculorum mice. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:13/5/dmm041608. [PMID: 32482619 PMCID: PMC7325434 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.041608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in dystonin (DST) can cause hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 6 (HSAN-VI) or epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). Recently, DST-related diseases were recognized to be more complex than previously thought because a patient exhibited both neurological and skin manifestations, whereas others display only one or the other. A single DST locus produces at least three major DST isoforms: DST-a (neuronal isoform), DST-b (muscular isoform) and DST-e (epithelial isoform). Dystonia musculorum (dt) mice, which have mutations in Dst, were originally identified as spontaneous mutants displaying neurological phenotypes. To reveal the mechanisms underlying the phenotypic heterogeneity of DST-related diseases, we investigated two mutant strains with different mutations: a spontaneous Dst mutant (Dstdt-23Rbrc mice) and a gene-trap mutant (DstGt mice). The Dstdt-23Rbrc allele possesses a nonsense mutation in an exon shared by all Dst isoforms. The DstGt allele is predicted to inactivate Dst-a and Dst-b isoforms but not Dst-e. There was a decrease in the levels of Dst-a mRNA in the neural tissue of both Dstdt-23Rbrc and DstGt homozygotes. Loss of sensory and autonomic nerve ends in the skin was observed in both Dstdt-23Rbrc and DstGt mice at postnatal stages. In contrast, Dst-e mRNA expression was reduced in the skin of Dstdt-23Rbrc mice but not in DstGt mice. Expression levels of Dst proteins in neural and cutaneous tissues correlated with Dst mRNAs. Because Dst-e encodes a structural protein in hemidesmosomes (HDs), we performed transmission electron microscopy. Lack of inner plaques and loss of keratin filament invasions underneath the HDs were observed in the basal keratinocytes of Dstdt-23Rbrc mice but not in those of DstGt mice; thus, the distinct phenotype of the skin of Dstdt-23Rbrc mice could be because of failure of Dst-e expression. These results indicate that distinct mutations within the Dst locus can cause different loss-of-function patterns among Dst isoforms, which accounts for the heterogeneous neural and skin phenotypes in dt mice and DST-related diseases. Summary: This paper describes the mechanism by which diverse dystonin gene mutations result in phenotypic heterogeneity in neural and cutaneous tissues of Dystonia musculorum mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Yoshioka
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.,Transdiciplinary Research Programs, Niigata University, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Yudai Kabata
- Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Momona Kuriyama
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Norihisa Bizen
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Li Zhou
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.,Center for Coordination of Research Facilities, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Dang M Tran
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masato Yano
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuo Ushiki
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | | | - Riichiro Abe
- Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hirohide Takebayashi
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan .,Center for Coordination of Research Facilities, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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Nanda A, Liu L, Al-Ajmi H, Al-Saleh QA, Al-Fadhli S, Anim JT, Ozoemena L, Mellerio JE, McGrath JA. Clinical subtypes and molecular basis of epidermolysis bullosa in Kuwait. Int J Dermatol 2018; 57:1058-1067. [PMID: 30011071 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous blistering skin disease, but in countries such as Kuwait, there are very limited data on the clinical and molecular pathology of EB. To improve understanding of EB in Kuwait, we report the experience of a local tertiary referral center over a 17.5 year period (January 2000-June 2017) in establishing clinical and molecular diagnoses. METHODS Review of hospital records and diagnostic reports. Individual cases were diagnosed by combinations of clinical assessment, skin biopsy (immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy), Sanger sequencing of EB genes, and whole exome sequencing. RESULTS Fifty-four families with EB were registered with the clinic over this period, 41 of whom (84 patients) participated in diagnostic studies. Thirty-seven of these 41 families had consanguineous marriages; 34 had recessive forms of EB, while only seven had dominant subtypes. Recurrent mutations were observed in epidermal dystonin, transglutaminase 5, and type VII collagen. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of EB in Kuwait is approximately three times that of internationally cited rates with an over-representation of autosomal recessive variants. Establishing the molecular basis of EB in Kuwait with accurate diagnostic subtyping provides a basis for determining healthcare requirements and improving patient management of EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Nanda
- As'ad Al-Hamad Dermatology Center, Salmiya, Kuwait
| | - Lu Liu
- National Diagnostic Epidermolysis Bullosa Laboratory, Viapath, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Suad Al-Fadhli
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - John T Anim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Ozoemena
- National Diagnostic Epidermolysis Bullosa Laboratory, Viapath, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jemima E Mellerio
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
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9
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Abstract
Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of heterogeneous genetic disorders characterized by skin fragility. EB comprises a large spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement caused by lack of key adhesion proteins, to mild cutaneous fragility caused by subtle molecular defects. Disease-causing variants in 20 different genes account for the genetic and allelic heterogeneity of EB. Here, we discuss the development of laboratory methods that enabled these discoveries and the clinical and molecular features of some new EB entities elucidated during the past 5-6 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Has
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Judith Fischer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Abstract
Skin fragility refers to a large group of conditions in which the ability of the skin to provide protection against trivial mechanical trauma is diminished, resulting in the formation of blisters, erosions, wounds, or scars. Acquired and physiological skin fragility is common; genetic disorders are rare but give insight into the molecular mechanisms ensuring skin stability. The paradigm is represented by inherited epidermolysis bullosa. This review is focused on recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of genetic skin fragility, including emerging concepts, controversies, unanswered questions, and opinions of the author. In spite of the advanced knowledge on the genetic causes of skin fragility, the molecular pathology is still expanding. Open questions in understanding the molecular basis of genetic skin fragility are the following: what are the causes of phenotypes which remain genetically unsolved, and what are the molecular modifiers which might explain phenotypic differences among individuals with similar mutations? New mutational mechanisms and new genes have recently been discovered and are briefly described here. Comprehensive next-generation sequencing-based genetic testing improved mutation detection and facilitated the identification of the genetic basis of unclear and new phenotypes. Characterization of the biochemical and cell biological consequences of the genetic variants is challenging and laborious but may represent the basis for personalized therapeutic approaches. Molecular modifiers of skin fragility have been uncovered in particular animal and genetic models but not in larger cohorts of patients. This scientific progress is the basis for revisions of the epidermolysis bullosa classification and for innovative therapeutic approaches designed for this intractable condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 7, DE-79104, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Uitto J, Bruckner-Tuderman L, McGrath JA, Riedl R, Robinson C. EB2017-Progress in Epidermolysis Bullosa Research toward Treatment and Cure. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 138:1010-1016. [PMID: 29391251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa, a group of heritable blistering disorders, shows extensive phenotypic variability due to mutations in as many as 20 distinct genes. There is no cure for this devastating group of disorders; however, a number of preclinical developments show promise, and some approaches have already reached the stage of early clinical trials. Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA) International, a global coalition of national patient organizations advocating on behalf of the patients and families with epidermolysis bullosa, supports research and organizes periodic scientific and clinical meetings on this disease. The most recent meeting, EB2017, was held in Salzburg in September 2017. This report summarizes some of the recent research and clinical developments that have identified promising avenues toward treatment and perhaps eventual cure, with improved quality of life for patients with epidermolysis bullosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouni Uitto
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | | | - John A McGrath
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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