Published in

Elsevier, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 7(130), p. 1819-1828, 2010

DOI: 10.1038/jid.2010.46

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

A Mouse Model of Generalized Non-Herlitz Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Orange circle
Postprint: archiving restricted
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a class of intractable, rare, genetic disorders characterized by fragile skin and blister formation as a result of dermal-epidermal mechanical instability. EB presents with considerable clinical and molecular heterogeneity. Viable animal models of junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), that both mimic the human disease and survive beyond the neonatal period, are needed. We identified a spontaneous, autosomal recessive mutation (Lamc2 jeb) due to a Murine Leukemia Virus long terminal repeat insertion in Lamc2 that results in a hypomorphic allele with reduced levels of LAMC2 protein. These mutant mice develop a progressive blistering disease validated at the gross and microscopic levels to closely resemble generalized non-Herlitz JEB. The Lamc2 jeb mice display additional extracutaneous features such as loss of bone mineralization and abnormal teeth, as well as a respiratory phenotype that is recognized but not as well characterized in humans. This model faithfully recapitulates human JEB and provides an important preclinical tool to test novel therapeutic approaches.