Novel mutations of epidermolysis bullosa identified using whole-exome sequencing in Indonesian Javanese patients

Skin Microbial Composition and Genetic Mutation Analysis in Precision Medicine for Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited skin disease representing a spectrum of rare genetic disorders. These conditions share the common trait that causes fragile skin, resulting in the development of blisters and erosions. The inheritance follows an autosomal pattern, and the array of clinical presentations leads to significant physical suffering, considerable morbidity, and mortality. Despite EB having no cure, effectively managing EB remains an exceptional challenge due to its rarity and complexity, occasionally casting a profound impact on the lives of affected individuals. Considering that EB management requires a multidisciplinary approach, this sometimes worsens the condition of patients with EB due to inappropriate handling. Thus, more appropriate and precise treatment management of EB is essentially needed. Advanced technology in medicine and health comes into the bioinformatics era. Including treatment for skin diseases, omics-based approaches aim to evaluate and handle better disease management and treatment. In this work, we review several approaches regarding the implementation of omics-based technology, including genetics, pathogenic mutation, skin microbiomics, and metagenomics analysis for EB. In addition, we highlight recent updates on the potential of metagenomics analysis in precision medicine for EB.

Nephropathy in a Child with Severe Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Treated with Cyclophosphamide: A Case Report

Long-term inflammation and recurrent skin infection in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) are associated with the presence of immunoglobulin A (IgA)-containing immune complexes in the glomerulus. Only eight pediatric RDEB cases with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) have been documented in English-language literature. Most RDEB patients with IgAN progress to kidney failure within 5 years of diagnosis, indicating that these patients may require more intensive early treatment compared to those with primary IgAN. However, diagnosing IgAN in RDEB cases with severe cutaneous manifestations can be challenging. Herein, we report a rare case of nephropathy in an 11-year-old boy with severe RDEB and a frameshift mutation on the COL7A1 gene, which may manifest as kidney disorders. He presented with persistent hematuria and progressing proteinuria. A presumptive IgAN diagnosis was based on clinical features and increased IgA serum levels, as kidney biopsy was refused by his parents. Nephrotic-range proteinuria persisted despite initial steroid and lisinopril treatment. Monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV CPA; 500 mg/m2) led to proteinuria remission and preservation of kidney function for 2 years posttreatment. We conclude that COL7A1 mutations may result in extracutaneous manifestations, including kidney disorders. The association between IgA-containing immune complex deposits in the glomerulus and recurrent skin infection in RDEB may indicate IgAN, particularly when kidney biopsy is infeasible due to severe skin manifestations. In our case, positive results with IV CPA suggest further investigation is needed to explore its potential role in non-rapidly progressing IgAN in children with RDEB.

Modified Non-Cultured Cell Spray Induced Epithelization in LAMB3 Mutation Epidermolysis Bullosa

Background

Autologous non-cultured cell (ANCC) spray has been used to treat burns, chronic wounds, and vitiligo, but its use in junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) has not been published previously. Chronic wounds in JEB are caused by mutations of laminin 332 (L322), whose function is to attach and act as a glue in the basal membrane. It is proposed that ANCC applications can provide keratinocytes and fibroblasts required to improve epithelization and spontaneously correct revertant keratinocytes in the wound area.

Purpose

To develop a modified procedure of ANCC spray and improve epithelization using silver sulfadiazine covered with plastic wrap to treat chronic wounds of JEB.

Patients and Methods

Shave excision of the donor site was performed on a 19-year-old girl with JEB. The ANCC spray was prepared and applied to the chronic wound, which was then covered with silver sulfadiazine occluded with plastic wrap.

Results

Following the ANCC spray application, epithelization was successfully initiated. Unfortunately, the wounds recurred after four months of follow-up.

Conclusion

The modified application method of ANCC spray provides a good alternative to treat chronic wounds in JEB.