Epidermolysis Bullosa-A Different Genetic Approach in Correlation with Genetic Heterogeneity

Epidermolysis bullosa is a heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders characterized by mucocutaneous fragility and blister formation after minor friction or trauma. There are four major epidermolysis bullosa types based on the ultrastructural level of tissue cleavage: simplex, junctional, dystrophic, and Kindler epidermolysis bullosa. They are caused by mutations in genes that encode the proteins that are part of the hemidesmosomes and focal adhesion complex. Some of these disorders can be associated with extracutaneous manifestations, which are sometimes fatal. They are inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner. This review is focused on the phenomena of heterogeneity (locus, allelic, mutational, and clinical) in epidermolysis bullosa, and on the correlation genotype-phenotype.

Automated summary

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragility of the mucocutaneous tissue and blister formation. It can be classified into four major types based on the ultrastructural level of tissue cleavage. Mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in hemidesmosomes and focal adhesion complex are responsible for this disease. Some cases may also have extracutaneous manifestations that can be fatal. This review focuses on the heterogeneity and genotype-phenotype correlation in epidermolysis bullosa.