Epidermolysis bullosa: to split and to clump.

During the past few years various proteins have come to the forefront as underlying the structural abnormalities of different forms of epidermolysis bullosa. Only very recently has linkage been established between certain major forms of epidermolysis bullosa and the genes encoding some of these proteins, and mutations of these genes identified. The stage will soon be set for providing a new and rational basis for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of epidermolysis bullosa, for improving diagnosis, including prenatal testing, and for devising new approaches to treatment.