Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a review

Abstract

Satoru Shinkuma Department of Dermatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan Abstract: Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare inherited blistering disorder caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen. The deficiency and/or dysfunction of type VII collagen leads to subepidermal blistering immediately below the lamina densa, resulting in mucocutaneous fragility and disease complications such as intractable ulcers, extensive scarring, malnutrition, and malignancy. The disease is usually diagnosed by immunofluorescence mapping and/or transmission electron microscopy and subsequently subclassified into one of 14 subtypes. This review provides practical knowledge on the disease, including new therapeutic strategies. Keywords: type VII collagen, anchoring fibril, subtypes, revertant mosaicism, treatment, gene therapy